Risk of water scarcity after below-normal snowfall in Hindu Kush Himalaya region for 3rd consecutive year

By Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which stretches from Afghanistan to Myanmar, has now seen its third consecutive year of below-normal snowfall, according to the latest 2025 Snow Update Report released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Snow persistence, defined as the fraction of time snow remains on the ground after snowfall, has hit a 20-year record low of 23.6% this year. This sharp decline could severely impact the water security of nearly two billion people who depend on the HKH’s river systems.

The intergovernmental organization ICIMOD has eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.

“The cumulative impact of these persistent deficits is likely to result in substantially reduced river runoffs and increased potential for early-summer water stress, particularly affecting vulnerable downstream communities already grappling with intensifying heat waves,” the report released on Friday said.

Seasonal snowmelt provides around 25% of the annual runoff for rivers in the HKH region, with this contribution gradually increasing from east to west.

According to the report, the Mekong (-51.9%) and Salween (-48.3%) basins have experienced the most alarming declines in snow persistence, followed by the Tibetan Plateau (-29.1%), Brahmaputra (-27.9%), Yangtze (-26.3%), and Ganges (-24.1%).

The ICIMOD has emphasized the urgent need for targeted actions at the river basin level, citing the consistent decline in seasonal snow persistence and the growing anomaly in snowmelt across the region.

Recommended measures include investing in adaptive infrastructure such as seasonal water storage systems, enhancing the efficient use of meltwater, and developing national preparedness and response plans for snow anomalies and droughts.

Additionally, integrating snow anomaly data into national water strategies, especially in sectors like hydropower, agriculture, and related fields, is deemed crucial. Disseminating reliable snow anomaly statistics can further support evidence-based policymaking and improve cross-sector coordination.

“Carbon emissions have already locked in an irreversible course of recurrent snow anomalies in the HKH... we urgently need to embrace a paradigm shift toward science-based, forward-looking policies and foster renewed regional cooperation for transboundary water management and emissions mitigation,” ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho said.

At the same time, ICIMOD emphasizes that countries in the HKH must make a significant shift toward science-driven, forward-thinking policies and renew their commitment to regional cooperation.