Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Sikkim | PWOnlyIAS 2023

Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Glacial lake outburst flood kills 14 in Sikkim, 102 people missing: What is GLOF, and why does it happen?” which was published in the Indian Express. Recently, a Glacial lake outburst flood killed many people in Sikkim and many people are missing.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Sikkim

• Glacial lake outburst flood accident happened after the South Lhonak Lake (a glacial lake, situated in Sikkim’s northwest at 17,000 ft) burst due to continuous rains, leading to the release of water in downstream areas. 
• This caused the rise of water levels in Teesta river, as per the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).

Glacial Lakes

• These are large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. 
• As they grow larger, they become more dangerous because they are mostly holded by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. 

What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood ?

• Refers: Glacial lake outburst flood occurs when the boundary of Glacial lakes around them breaks, then a huge amount of water rushes down the side of the mountains, which could cause flooding in the downstream areas. 
• Found in: These lakes are also often found in steep, mountainous regions, which means landslides or ice avalanches can sometimes fall directly into the lakes and displace the water, causing it to over-top the natural dam and flood downstream.
• Reason for Trigger: GLOF can be triggered by several reasons, including earthquakes, extremely heavy rains and ice avalanches.
  • According to the National Disaster Management Authority, glacial retreat due to climate change occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalayas has given rise to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes, which are the major cause of glacial lake outburst floods.

The Path Ahead to stop Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

• Identify potentially dangerous lakes.
• Use such technology which automatically can detect changes in water bodies.
• Enhance Early Warning Systems.
• Train the local community.
• Build better infrastructure.

Conclusion

The tragic incident of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Sikkim highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures such as advanced technology, early warning systems, and community training to mitigate the impact of such disasters in vulnerable regions. 

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