The catastrophic floods that struck Nepal in late September, claiming more than 200 lives and causing widespread destruction, have prompted a re-evaluation of their primary cause. While initial reports suggested a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from the Himalayas, scientists and officials now argue that the disaster was largely a result of extreme rainfall exacerbated by climate change, coupled with a lack of effective monitoring and early warning systems. The floods, which devastated the Kathmandu Valley and other regions, were triggered by unusually intense monsoon rains that overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. Experts note that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of such rainfall events, making them a greater threat than glacial lake outbursts in many areas.