Nepal’s devastating flash floods were triggered by a dangerous chain reaction involving an ice-rock collapse, river blockage and the sudden release of massive amounts of water, mud and debris. In this explainer, we break down how the Himalayan terrain amplified the destruction, why scientists are watching glacier and permafrost changes, and what the latest warning means. Could newly formed debris blockages and natural dams trigger another flood downstream? Here’s what caused Nepal’s mega flood and why the danger may not be over.

NEW DELHI — A deadly flash flood near Nepal's border with Tibet on Wednesday may have been triggered when the lower part of a glacier broke off and...

The deadly flash floods that tore through Nepal’s Himalayan border region on Wednesday may have been triggered by a massive chunk of glacier breaking away high in the mountains…