Remote sensing and process attribution uncertainties in the Dharali event

A recent study by Dandabathula et al. attributes the 5 August 2025 Dharali disaster to an ice-patch collapse based largely on satellite imagery. Here, we examine remote sensing and process-attribution uncertainties in that interpretation. The proposed mechanism by Dandabathula et al. lacks spectral validation, geomorphic consistency, volumetric support, and geophysical corroboration. Available independent observations instead indicate rainfall-triggered mobilisation of unconsolidated paraglacial sediments, underscoring the need for rigorous process attribution in Himalayan hazard assessment.