In a horrifying incident, the Lhonak glacier in the northern part of Sikkim state, India, ruptured on Tuesday night, leading to a catastrophic flood in the Teesta river. The breach was exacerbated by the release of additional water from a nearby dam, intensifying the disaster. As per the latest data, 40 people have lost their lives, and a staggering 103 individuals are still missing. This alarming crisis was triggered by the breaking of the glacier, raising concerns about the safety of settlements in both Nepal and India.
Glacial Vulnerability and Climate Change:
Experts have long warned about the heightened risks faced by glaciers in Nepal and India due to the continuous melting of snow in the Kanchenjunga mountains, coupled with torrential rains attributed to climate change. The Indian Central Surveyors Department has highlighted the potential crisis looming over Nepal and India in the Kanchanjunga Himal region. Renowned Indian climate expert A Banerjee has emphasized that this incident underscores the vulnerability of these regions.
A comprehensive study conducted by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ISMOD) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) revealed alarming findings. Over the course of three years, the study identified 3,624 glacier ice lakes within Nepal, China, and India that pose a significant threat to human settlements. Disturbingly, 47 glaciers in Nepal are identified as high-risk, with the potential to burst at any moment, causing extensive damage to communities.
Lhonak Himtal Lake: A Disaster Waiting to Happen:
The Lhonak Himtal Lake, which burst recently, spans approximately two and a half kilometers in length and half a kilometer in width, with a depth equivalent to a 10-story building. Over the years, this lake has dramatically expanded due to glacier water, raising concerns among local experts. Situated at an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level, the lake's growth has been exacerbated by climate change effects, including cloud bursts and rapidly melting glaciers.
Urgent Call for Action:
The warnings about the potential catastrophe at Lhonak Himtal Lake have persisted for decades. The lake's transformation, as observed through satellite images and scientific surveys, underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities. Climate change-induced glacier melting and the expansion of these high-risk lakes demand immediate attention from policymakers, scientists, and the international community.
As the Himalayas face an escalating crisis, it is imperative for nations, environmental organizations, and global leaders to collaborate on solutions. Prompt action, including rigorous scientific research, early warning systems, and sustainable climate policies, can mitigate the risks associated with glacial disasters. The tragic events in Sikkim serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and protect vulnerable regions from the impending threat of glacial floods.
