NEPAL Rolwaling Valley -- 16 Apr 2005 -- The peaks of the Dorjepam Danda mountain range from the Rolwaling Valley

NEPAL Rolwaling Valley -- 16 Apr 2005 -- The peaks of the Dorjepam Danda mountain range from the Rolwaling Valley, which is remarkable as it is one of 13 known areas with a severe risk of 'glacial overbust' (when water coming from glacier melts builds up in a natural lake and threatens many kilometers of river valleys). Scientists have warned that rising temperatures from global warming may cause the demise of these Himalayan ice falls and glaciers. The effects of this are likely to affect many Asian nations, as these glaciers - and those in neighbouring Tibet - feed most of the large river systems from Pakistan to China. Widespread flooding has began and is expected to continue. In the 2004 Monsoon, some 30 million people in Nepal, India and Bangladesh were affected by serious flooding. Scientists add that after the glaciers have melted, their departure will lead to widespread drought across many areas of Asia. The peaks of Tabayabum (5555m), Dorje Phagmo (5636m), Yalung Ri (5630m), Ramdung (5930m) and Chukima Go (6259m) are visible in the background (in order from right to left)