The Argentine mountain town of El Chaltén is stepping up preparations for a potentially devastating glacier-related flood after the deadly disaster in Nepal highlighted the risks facing communities below unstable glacial lakes.
Scientists have warned for years that a collapse of the northern slope of Cerro Solo into Laguna Torre could send a huge volume of water, rock and debris towards El Chaltén. Recent research indicates that the resulting flood could reach the town within minutes.
The risk has increased as the Torre glacier retreats. Researchers say the glacier lost about 4 square kilometres of surface area and its ice thinned by between 60 and 70 metres from 1952 to 2023. Melting has also created a second body of water within Laguna Torre, with its depth now exceeding 220 metres.
Authorities are developing Argentina’s first early-warning system for a glacial lake outburst flood, with monitoring stations, cameras, sensors and emergency alerts planned. Evacuation procedures are also being developed.
The town faces a difficult balance because tourism is central to its economy. Officials and local businesses argue that better preparation, rather than shutting down tourism, is the way to protect residents and visitors.
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