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IIT Guwahati Study Flags 493 High-Risk Glacial Lake Sites in Eastern Himalayas

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Researchers from IIT Guwahati mapped future glacial lakes and flagged 493 high-risk sites in the Eastern Himalayas that could trigger devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The study warns that as climate change accelerates glacial retreat, new lakes form behind unstable moraine dams. When these dams breach, they cause catastrophic downstream flooding. The findings have critical implications for disaster risk management in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Assam and Bhutan.

Key Facts & Details

7 points
  • 1
    IIT Guwahati study flags 493 high-risk future glacial lake sites in Eastern Himalayas
  • 2
    Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are the key risk as climate change accelerates glacial retreat
  • 3
    Critical for disaster management in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bhutan

Deep Dive

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    South Lhonak Lake GLOF (Sikkim, October 2023) caused massive flooding and destruction of Chungthang dam
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    Glacial lakes form when meltwater collects behind moraine (debris) dams
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    NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) monitors GLOF risks in India
  • +
    India has 4,000+ glaciers in the Himalayas; climate change is accelerating melting
Q

Exam Focus

Likely MCQ: GLOF stands for? → Answer: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

Related Topics

Environmental ConservationDisaster Management

Exam Relevance & Angle

Environment & Disaster: Climate change, Himalayan glaciers, and GLOF risk.

Target Exams

UPSC CSESSC CGLSBI POState PCSNDA

Background & Context

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):

  • Form when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released
  • Caused by: moraine dam failure, ice avalanche, earthquake, or sudden melting
  • Can release millions of cubic meters of water in hours, causing catastrophic downstream flooding

Recent GLOF incidents in India:

  • South Lhonak Lake GLOF, Sikkim (October 2023): Burst moraine dam released massive flood down the Teesta river. Destroyed Chungthang dam (500 MW hydro project). Killed 60+ people, missing 100+.
  • Chamoli disaster, Uttarakhand (Feb 2021): Ice/rock avalanche triggered flood; destroyed Rishiganga and Dhauliganga hydro projects.

India's glaciers:

  • ~9,575 glaciers in Himalayas (across Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal)
  • Contributing to rivers: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
  • Climate change is accelerating glacier retreat — leading to more glacial lakes

Monitoring: NDMA, GSI (Geological Survey of India), ISRO monitor glacial lakes and GLOF risk using satellite imagery.

Related GK Concepts

Must Know
GLOFGlacial LakesIIT GuwahatiClimate ChangeEastern HimalayasNDMASikkim Flood

Test Yourself

1 / 3

GLOF stands for?

This topic is important for:

UPSC CSE

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SSC CGL

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SBI PO

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IIT Guwahati Study Flags 493 High-Risk Glacial Lake Sites in Eastern Himalayas — Current Affairs 2026-04-20