博客

Recent scientific findings indicate that a significant surge in construction across the Himalayan mountain range is exposing over 300,000 residents to potential natural disasters. Between 2016 and 2023, the amount of developed land in high-risk zones, spanning northern Nepal, Tibet, and northern India, rose by an alarming 45 percent. This rapid expansion into dangerous territory has raised serious concerns among environmental experts and local authorities.

Of particular concern to researchers is the 78 percent increase in construction near glacial lakes. These lakes, formed by melting glaciers, pose a catastrophic threat to downstream communities if they were to overflow or burst suddenly. Experts warn that the number of people at risk might be significantly higher than currently estimated, as the study focused on only a specific portion of the region rather than the entire mountain range.

The urgency of this warning is underscored by recent tragedies. Last August, devastating floods in Nepal claimed more than 1,400 lives and left thousands missing. More recently, the Budhi Gandaki river overflowed, destroying homes and vital infrastructure, including several essential bridges. These events highlight how vulnerable the region has become to extreme weather.

The expansion into these hazardous areas is primarily driven by the growth of tourism, infrastructure projects, and the real estate market. In Pokhara, a popular tourist destination, numerous older structures are situated as close as five meters to riverbanks. While local authorities have implemented stricter regulations to ensure new buildings are constructed further from the water, they acknowledge the immense difficulty of relocating existing properties that are already in danger.

Further north in the Annapurna region, famous for its trekking trails, the impact on the local economy is evident. Many hotels now stand empty as tourists, fearful of landslides and unpredictable flooding, choose to stay away. A local hotelier with four decades of experience remarked that the frequency of these disasters is unprecedented. As climate change destabilises mountain slopes, balancing economic progress with human safety is becoming increasingly complex. The situation highlights the desperate need for more effective protection for communities living in these fragile environments.

1. What is the primary focus of the article?

• A.The economic benefits of tourism in the Himalayan mountains.
• B.The conflict between rapid building development and natural disaster risks.
• C.A historical account of flooding and landslides in northern Nepal.
• D.The scientific process of how glacial lakes are formed by melting ice.

2. According to the text, why are glacial lakes specifically dangerous?

• A.They are expanding at a rate of 78 percent every year.
• B.They attract too many tourists to unstable high-altitude regions.
• C.They could cause massive destruction if they burst and flood lower areas.
• D.The water in them is becoming toxic due to nearby construction.

3. What is implied about the current estimate of 300,000 people at risk?

• A.It is likely an exaggeration used to attract international aid.
• B.It only accounts for people living near the Budhi Gandaki river.
• C.It may be lower than the actual number of people in danger.
• D.It includes tourists who visit the region for trekking.

4. What challenge does the government in Pokhara face regarding safety regulations?

• A.They lack the funds to build new bridges over the riverbanks.
• B.It is very hard for them to move houses that are already built in risky spots.
• C.Local hotel owners refuse to follow the new five-meter rule.
• D.They have not yet introduced any rules for new construction.

5. In the third paragraph, what does the word ‘underscored’ mean?

• A.Ignored
• B.Emphasized
• C.Predicted
• D.Prevented