Overview

• Snow persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region has fallen to 23.6% below normal, the lowest level in 23 years, according to ICIMOD's April 2025 Snow Update Report.
• This marks the third consecutive year of below-normal snow levels, jeopardizing water security for nearly two billion people relying on meltwater-fed river systems.
• The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins recorded snow persistence deficits of 24.1% and 27.9% below normal, respectively, threatening agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies.
• The Mekong and Salween basins experienced the most severe declines, with snow persistence 51.9% and 48.3% below normal, highlighting basin-specific vulnerabilities.
• ICIMOD calls for urgent science-based water management, regional cooperation, and investment in adaptive infrastructure to mitigate growing risks of drought and groundwater overreliance.