In the Himalayas, over one in four glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares in area have experienced significant expansion since 1984, raising concerns about the potential for devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Satellite imagery analysis identified 676 glacial lakes that have notably increased in size, with around 89% doubling their size or more. Notably, 130 of these expanding lakes are within India, distributed across the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra River basins.
The expansion of these glacial lakes poses a substantial risk of GLOFs. These floods occur when natural dams such as moraine or ice fail, releasing massive volumes of meltwater and causing sudden and severe flooding downstream. The triggers for dam failure can include avalanches, extreme weather events, and other environmental factors.
Experts have highlighted the urgent need to manage this risk effectively. Scientists have identified specific lakes, such as the Gepang Gath lake in Himachal Pradesh, which has shown a 178% increase in size since 1989. They recommend precautionary measures by state governments and emphasize the importance of addressing lakes beyond India’s borders through collaboration with neighboring countries.
As the climate continues to warm, glaciers in the Himalayas are shrinking, leading to the formation and expansion of glacial lakes. Research indicates that these lakes are growing in number and size, increasing the likelihood and potential severity of GLOFs. Experts warn that these floods can have devastating consequences for communities downstream, causing loss of life, infrastructure damage, and environmental degradation.
Addressing the risks posed by expanding glacial lakes requires a comprehensive approach involving risk assessment, monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness measures. International collaboration is crucial, particularly for transboundary lakes, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to potential GLOF events.
