Monday 24 February 2025 
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | June 18th, 2024 — A recent report from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (Icimod), based in Nepal, has raised significant alarm over the impending water shortage crisis, attributed to drastically reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region. This report, as highlighted by the Algerian Press Service (APS), underscores the urgent need for action among researchers, policymakers, and communities living downstream.
Reduced Snowfall Threatens Vital Water Supply
Sher Muhammad, the author of the Icimod report, emphasized the critical situation, stating, “This is a wake-up call for researchers, policymakers, and communities living downstream.” The report reveals that the Himalayas, which serve as a crucial water source for numerous countries in the region, are experiencing unprecedented reductions in snowfall.
The snow and ice from the Himalayas provide essential water resources to approximately 240 million people residing in mountainous regions and an additional 1.65 billion individuals living in the valleys across several countries. This year, snow levels have plummeted by nearly one-fifth compared to normal levels, affecting the entire region of the Hindu Kush and the namesake mountain range spanning Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the Himalayas.
Alarming Decline in Snow Persistence
“The persistence of snow this year is 18.5% below normal, marking the second-lowest level in the past 22 years, only slightly better than the record low of 19% set in 2018,” stated Sher Muhammad. This decline in snow accumulation poses a significant risk of water shortages, particularly this year, as reduced snowfall leads to less snowmelt, which is vital for sustaining water flows in rivers and streams.
Icimod, which includes member countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, highlights the critical role that snowmelt plays in these regions. According to the report, snowmelt contributes approximately one-quarter of the total flow in 12 major river basins originating from high altitudes.
Urgent Need for Sustainable Water Management
The implications of this report are far-reaching, necessitating immediate and concerted efforts to address the water shortage crisis. Policymakers must prioritize sustainable water management strategies to mitigate the impact on the millions of people who rely on these water sources for their daily needs and agricultural activities.
In conclusion, the Icimod report serves as a crucial warning about the potential for severe water shortages due to reduced snowfall in the Himalayas. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure water security for the vast populations dependent on this essential resource. The international community must heed this call to action to prevent a looming water crisis in the affected regions.
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