M F Rahaman
SS News, April 24, 2026:
Snow cover across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) has dropped to 27.8% below the long-term average, marking the fourth consecutive year of below-normal levels and setting a new record low, according to the Snow Update 2026 released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
The report warns of a “systemic collapse” in seasonal snow reserves across the world’s highest mountain range, threatening water security for nearly two billion people dependent on 12 major river basins originating in the HKH.
Ten of the twelve basins recorded below-normal snow persistence, with the Mekong, Tarim, and Tibetan Plateau experiencing their lowest levels in 24 years. Experts say reduced snowmelt will directly impact drinking water, irrigation, hydropower generation, and ecosystems across Asia.
ICIMOD researcher Sher Muhammad said the region is approaching a critical threshold, noting that consecutive low-snow years are severely limiting groundwater recharge and soil moisture recovery, increasing drought vulnerability.
The report highlights that seasonal snowmelt contributes up to 77.5% of annual river flow in some basins, including Helmand and Amu Darya, making the decline particularly alarming for downstream countries.
While the Ganges (+16.3%) and Irrawaddy (+21.8%) recorded above-normal snow, extreme deficits were observed in the Mekong (-59.5%), Tibetan Plateau (-47.4%), and Salween (-41.8%).
ICIMOD has urged governments to activate drought preparedness plans, improve water storage systems, and strengthen transboundary cooperation on water management, warning that regional risks are now “immediate and escalating.”
Source: ICIMOD
