WASHINGTON - The threat of destructive mountain streams similar to those that led to the recent disaster in Nepal exists in the Mount Rainier volcano area in the United States (US) state of Washington, where more than 90,000 people live in the risk zone, Holly Weiss-Racine, geologist at the US Geological Survey (USGS), told Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
Flooding struck northern Nepal on the morning of Aug 26 after a powerful torrent of water swept into the Bhote Koshi River.
The flooding occurred after a glacier retreated and triggered a landslide. The death toll from the flooding in the country has exceeded 1,300, with over 5,500 missing.
"Lahars [flowing mixture of water and rock debris] are the most dangerous volcanic hazard in the Cascades due to their reach and destructive force... More than 90,000 people live in lahar hazard zones for Mount Rainier, with potential impacts to millions," Weiss-Racine said.
Lahars can travel dozens of kilometres and destroy buildings and infrastructure in their path.
Over the past 6,000 years, at least 11 large lahars have descended from Mount Rainier, reaching the Puget Sound lowlands, according to the USGS. - BERNAMA