Known as the world's 'Third Pole,' the Himalayas, inclusive of the Tibetan Plateau, Hindu Kush, and Tian Shan ranges, are succumbing to climate change. The rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns of the past three decades have led to the melting of 10,000 glaciers.
This melting has resulted in the formation of numerous glacial lakes, posing a significant hazard to the lower regions of the Himalayas. These deceptively beautiful lakes harbor the potential for catastrophic events like the disasters in Sikkim, Kedarnath, or Chamoli.
Source: aajtak
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research including Associate Professor Weikai Wang have conducted extensive research on Himalayan glacial lakes, recently published in
. The team emphasizes urgent action against these hazardous lakes by countries like India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Collaborative Efforts Needed for Protection Against Glacial Threats
Preserving safety from these devilish forces nurtured in the bosom of the Third Pole requires a united front from all affected countries. Professor Wang's study, which categorizes glacial lakes based on size, source, and level of threat, reveals alarming data.
Source: aajtak
The incidence of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods has doubled in two decades
The frequency of GLOFs has dramatically increased, doubling every decade, signaling alarming prospects for the Himalayas and those dwelling in the adjacent regions. These recurring events should serve as a wake-up call to all.
5535 Lakes Identified as Dangerous... 1500 Lakes on the Verge of Bursting
Wang has identified 5535 glacial lakes as potential threats capable of disaster at any moment. Among these, 1500 are critically dangerous, risking high potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and could bring about catastrophic devastation.
Source: aajtak
Over 55,000 Buildings, 100 Hydroelectric Projects at Risk
The potential rupture of these lakes endangers no less than 55,805 buildings, 105 planned or existing hydroelectric projects, extensive agricultural land, thousands of kilometers of roads, and more than 4,038 bridges, with 200,000 lives under direct threat.
Disasters Triggered by Glacial Lake Outbursts
GLOF events—sudden and powerful releases of water from glacial lakes—can occur due to glacier retreat, ice avalanches, landslides, or the failure of natural dams. The ensuing deluge can wreak widespread devastation.
Sikkim, Kedarnath, Chamoli... Far Too Many Incidents to Ignore
Recent events in Sikkim highlight the imminent danger these glacial lakes pose. Between 2015 and 2020, thousands of new glacial lakes were observed at high altitudes in the Himalayas. Despite the difficulty of studying these remote lakes, the stakes are high, necessitating satellite-assisted risk assessment by scientists.
