India Installs Early Warning Systems at Himalayan Glacial Lakes

India is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks posed by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. The country is installing high-tech warning systems at nearly 200 glacial lakes deemed to be at high risk of bursting their banks. This initiative is crucial as climate change exacerbates the threat of GLOFs.

The Himalayas are home to at least 7,500 glacial lakes, many of which pose a significant threat of flash floods. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 190 high-altitude lakes as the most dangerous and is working to install early warning systems around them. This project is expected to take three years to complete.

"We have already made significant strides in mitigating risks," said Safi Ahsan Rizvi, a senior NDMA official leading the mission.

GLOFs occur when water accumulated in former glacier beds is suddenly released. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a phenomenon accelerated by human-caused climate change.

One team is currently working to install early warning systems around six high-risk lakes in Sikkim, where a GLOF in October 2023 claimed the lives of at least 77 people.

"We have done 20 lakes so far, and will complete 40 this summer," Rizvi said.

The project also includes lowering the water levels of the lakes by removing accumulated water and ice slush.

The mission involves a collaborative effort from experts from the army, government agencies like the Indian Space Research Organisation, geologists, hydrologists, computing engineers, and weather specialists. The Indian Air Force is also expected to join the mission later, transporting heavy equipment to remote locations.