Nepal drains glacial lake near Everest

Nepali soldiers have kicked off efforts to partially drain a giant glacial lake near Mount Everest, fearing possible flooding that could threaten the lives of thousands, an army official said yesterday. Scientists say climate change is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, creating huge glacial lakes which could burst their banks and devastate mountain communities. Imja Tsho, located at an altitude of 5,010 metres, just 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) south of the world's highest peak, is the fastest-growing glacial lake in Nepal.