Himalayan Flash Flood Likely Triggered by Melting Glacier,Experts Say
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A devastating flash flood ripped through the Himalayan town of Dharali in Uttarakhand, India, on Tuesday, leaving scores missing and at least four confirmed dead. While initial reports attributed the disaster to a “cloudburst,” experts now believe a rapidly melting glacier, exacerbated by climate change, was the primary cause.
The flood unleashed a wall of water and debris down a narrow mountain valley, overwhelming the town and uprooting buildings. Videos circulating online show residents fleeing as waves of freezing sludge engulfed structures. Rescue operations are ongoing, but hampered by challenging terrain and persistent rainfall.
PK Joshi, an expert on Himalayan hazards at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, explained that the flood likely resulted from the collapse of a moraine – debris accumulated by a glacier – which had dammed a lake of meltwater.”Given the persistent rainfall over preceding days and the sudden discharge observed, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or collapse of a moraine-dammed lake is suspected as the primary trigger,” Joshi stated.
The prolonged rainfall had already saturated and loosened the ground, making the region vulnerable. While cloud cover is currently obstructing detailed satellite analysis, experts believe unstable sediment zones upstream contributed to the “sudden high energy flash flood.” A definitive confirmation awaits clearer satellite imagery.
Understanding Glacial lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
Glacial lake Outburst Floods are becoming increasingly common in the Himalayan region and other mountainous areas worldwide as global temperatures rise. Glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate,creating more glacial lakes. These lakes are often dammed by unstable moraine, ice, or rock. When these dams fail, they release massive amounts of water, causing catastrophic downstream flooding. The Himalayas are particularly vulnerable due to the steep terrain and dense population in valleys below glacial lakes. Climate change is accelerating glacial melt, increasing the frequency and intensity of GLOFs, posing a meaningful threat to communities and infrastructure.
Historically, the Himalayan region has experienced glofs, but their frequency has increased dramatically in recent decades. Monitoring glacial lakes and implementing early warning systems are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with these events. International collaboration and sustainable development practices are also essential to address the underlying causes of glacial melt and protect vulnerable populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Himalayan flash Flood
What caused the flash flood in dharali?
Experts believe the primary cause of the flash flood was a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), likely triggered by the collapse of a moraine dam holding back meltwater from a retreating glacier. prolonged rainfall exacerbated the situation.
What is a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)?
A GLOF occurs when a dam containing a glacial lake fails, releasing a large volume of water downstream. These floods are becoming more frequent due to climate change and glacial melt.
How does climate change contribute to these floods?
Climate change is accelerating glacial melt, creating more glacial lakes and increasing the risk of dam failures. warmer temperatures also lead to more intense rainfall events,further destabilizing the region.
What is a moraine and how does it relate to the flood?
A moraine is a collection of debris – rocks, sediment, and soil – deposited by a glacier. In this case, a moraine dammed a glacial lake, and its
