Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Andes

Reuters Wires

<p>Chilean glaciologists and geologists warn that accelerating glacier retreat in the Andes could increase the risk of sudden floods, landslides, and avalanches, highlighting vulnerabilities similar to those exposed by recent disasters in the Himalayas.</p><p>Felipe Ugalde, a geologist and University of Chile professor, said rising temperatures are making glaciers increasingly unstable and could contribute to the formation or sudden drainage of glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).</p><p>&quot;The Andean region, from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego, is truly not immune to what is happening globally,&quot; Ugalde said, adding that researchers are seeking to determine whether retreating glaciers disappear gradually or trigger dangerous processes along the way.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/8/28/tragedy-in-nepal-how-do-flash-floods-happen-0945">Tragedy in Nepal: How do flash floods happen?</a></div><p>University of Chile glaciologist Andres Rivera said warmer atmospheric temperatures increase melting within glaciers, leading to greater cracking and movement that can trigger landslides, avalanches or large ice detachments, particularly on steep slopes.</p><p>Chile has experienced major glacier-related events in the past. In 1989, the collapse of the moraine dam at Laguna del Cerro Largo released about 229 million cubic meters of water and triggered a large debris flow. Lake Cachet II in Patagonia has repeatedly drained through subglacial tunnels since 2008, while in 2020 Lake Greve released nearly 4 billion cubic meters of water through the Pio XI Glacier.</p><p>The Chamoli disaster in India in 2021, last year&#x27;s event in Blatten, Switzerland, and the recent disaster in Nepal have gained renewed attention and warnings for countries with vulnerable mountain environments.</p><p>Jose Araos, a geographer and University of Chile professor, said glacier retreat can set off a chain of processes in which reduced pressure on mountain valleys contributes to slope instability, while seismic activity can further increase the risk.</p><p>A study published last year in the Journal of South American Earth Sciences identified glaciers exposed to different risks, including ice avalanches, steep overhanging formations and changes in glacial lakes.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/8/28/family-seeks-help-in-search-for-filipino-doctor-missing-in-nepal-floods-1539">READ: Filipino doctor among missing in Nepal floods, family confirms</a></div><p>Others could be affected by volcanic eruptions in Chile, which lies along the Pacific &quot;Ring of Fire,&quot; a region marked by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.</p><p>Researchers are calling for stronger monitoring of high-mountain areas, using satellite observations, drones, meteorological stations and hydrodynamic models to identify vulnerable glaciers and glacial lakes and improve early-warning systems.</p><div><strong>(Camera: Nicolas Cortes &amp; Jorge Vega. Editing &amp; Production: Nicolas Cortes, Jorge Vega &amp; Liamar Ramos. Writing: Liamar Ramos)</strong></div>

<p>Chilean glaciologists and geologists warn that accelerating glacier retreat in the Andes could increase the risk of sudden floods, landslides, and avalanches, highlighting vulnerabilities similar to those exposed by recent disasters in the Himalayas.</p>

Chilean glaciologists and geologists warn that accelerating glacier retreat in the Andes could increase the risk of sudden floods, landslides, and avalanches, highlighting vulnerabilities similar to those exposed by recent disasters in the Himalayas.

Chilean experts warn Andes glaciers could pose growing flood risk

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Chilean experts warn Andes glaciers could pose growing flood risk

Reuters

Published August 29, 2026 07:50 AM PHT

Read More:

Nepal

Chile

glaciers

disaster

Andes mountain range

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.