Humantay lagoon avalanche video sparks alarm; Inaigem urges risk assessment for tourist safety

An ice and snow avalanche near Peru's popular Humantay lagoon has triggered safety alarms after a video of the event circulated on social media. The footage shows a large mass detaching from the snow-capped mountain while tourists were present. Although no injuries were reported, the incident has renewed concerns about natural risks in the area.

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the competent authorities should promote a Risk Assessment (EVAR) for Humantay lagoon. This study will allow defining preventive measures, evacuation routes, and actions aimed at reducing the danger for visitors and the population that carries out tourist activities in the place.

Following the video's spread, the National Institute for Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems (Inaigem) urged relevant authorities to conduct a risk assessment for Humantay lagoon. This evaluation, according to Inaigem, would help define preventive measures, evacuation routes, and actions to reduce dangers for visitors and those involved in tourism activities.

Víctor Bustinza Urviola, head of Inaigem's decentralized office in Cusco, stated that confirming the exact date of the detachment is a priority, as there is uncertainty about whether it was a recent event. Nevertheless, he noted that Inaigem has already conducted technical studies in the area to identify potential hazards from rock and ice falls. The specialist explained that climate change-induced glacial retreat can increase the frequency of such events. During the dry season, increased solar radiation accelerates ice melt, weakening rock and ice structures and making avalanches more likely.

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this type of events can occur with greater frequency due to glacial retreat associated with climate change.

Inaigem also performed a bathymetry of Humantay lagoon, finding it holds approximately 500,000 cubic meters of water and reaches a depth of nearly 20 meters. The institute reiterated its recommendation for the Mollepata District Municipality, the Anta Provincial Municipality, and the Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER) of the Cusco Regional Government to promote a risk assessment. This tool is crucial for establishing risk levels and designing a response plan for emergencies.

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one of the sectors most affected by glacial retreat is tourism.