Ice rock avalanches are emerging as a major but under recognized hazard in the Himalaya. In this Perspective, we examine how warming temperatures are destabilizing glaciers and steep mountain slopes, increasing the likelihood of cascading cryospheric disasters.

The tragic 2021 Chamoli disaster in the Indian Himalaya demonstrated how such events can devastate downstream communities and infrastructure. By contrast, the recent Blatten ice rock avalanche in Switzerland illustrates how preparedness, monitoring, and rapid response can reduce impacts and save lives.

We analyze why preparedness for such hazards remains limited in the Himalaya and propose pathways toward more effective risk reduction. These include improved monitoring of unstable slopes and glaciers, anticipatory hazard governance, stronger early warning systems, and community centered disaster preparedness.

As climate change accelerates in high mountain regions, proactive approaches are essential to reduce risks from emerging cryospheric hazards.