GLOFs in the Himalayan Region pose severe risks, as seen in Nepal’s Lende River flash floods. In this regard, enhanced trans-boundary early warning systems are crucial for effective risk mitigation and preparedness.
What are GLOFs?
- Definition: A GLOF, is sudden release of water from a lake fed by glacier melt that has formed at the side, in front, within, beneath, or on the surface of a glacier. E.g., The South Lhonak GLOF in 2023
- The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is home to 11 river basins and 28,000 glacial lakes (body of water that originates from a glacier). Two primary types of glacial lakes:
- Supraglacial lakes: Formed by meltwater in depressions on glaciers, prone to summer melting.
- Moraine-dammed lakes: Formed by meltwater at glacier toes, dammed by loose debris or ice-cores, prone to sudden failure.
Factors Increasing IHR’s Susceptibility to GLOFs
- Triggers of GLOFs:
- 2/3rd of GLOF events is triggered by ice avalanches or landslides.
- Remaining are caused by excessive meltwater pressure on weak moraine dams (Chorabari GLOF in 2013) and earthquakes.
- Rising Temperatures and Glacial Melt: 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years on Earth, leading to higher temperatures and increased glacial melt.
- Challenges in Monitoring7,500 glacial lakes are above 4,500 meters, making them difficult to survey during a short summer window.
India’s Mitigation Strategy for GLOF Risk
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