Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are a growing concern for communities living in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. With climate change causing many of the 54,000 glaciers in the region to shrink, the risk of GLOFs is becoming more prevalent. In this explainer, we will take a closer look at GLOFs and the danger they pose to communities, as well as the measures being taken to mitigate their impact.
GLOFs occur when a glacial lake, formed by the melting of glaciers, suddenly bursts and releases a large amount of water and debris downstream. These floods can be devastating, causing loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of communities. The HKH region, which spans across eight countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, is particularly vulnerable to GLOFs due to its high concentration of glaciers.
The main cause of GLOFs is climate change, which is causing the glaciers in the HKH region to melt at an alarming rate. As the temperature rises, glaciers melt and form glacial lakes. These lakes are held in place by natural dams made of ice, moraine (rock debris), or a combination of both. However, as the glaciers continue to melt, the water level in these lakes rises, putting immense pressure on the natural dams. If the dams cannot hold the water, they burst, leading to a GLOF.
The shrinking of glaciers in the HKH region is a direct result of climate change, which is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. As a result, the region is experiencing warmer temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and an increase in extreme events such as floods and droughts. These changes are not only affecting the environment but also the livelihoods of people living in the region.
The impact of GLOFs on communities can be devastating. In 2013, a GLOF in the Kedarnath region of India killed thousands of people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. In 2015, a GLOF in Nepal caused by the melting of a glacier lake destroyed homes and bridges, leaving many people homeless. These are just a few examples of the destructive power of GLOFs and the urgent need to address this issue.
To mitigate the impact of GLOFs, various measures are being taken by governments, NGOs, and local communities in the HKH region. One such measure is the construction of artificial dams to contain the water in glacial lakes. These dams are made of materials such as sandbags, rocks, and concrete, and are designed to withstand the pressure of the water. By controlling the water level in glacial lakes, the risk of GLOFs can be reduced significantly.
Another approach to mitigating GLOFs is through early warning systems. These systems use technology such as sensors and satellite imagery to monitor glacial lakes and detect any changes in water levels. This information is then used to issue timely warnings to communities living downstream, giving them enough time to evacuate and take necessary precautions.
In addition to these measures, there is also a need for long-term solutions to address the root cause of GLOFs – climate change. Governments and communities in the HKH region are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. This includes promoting renewable energy sources, implementing reforestation programs, and adopting climate-resilient farming practices.
It is also essential for countries to work together and share knowledge and resources to tackle the issue of GLOFs. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional intergovernmental organization that is working towards promoting cooperation and collaboration among countries in the HKH region. Through initiatives such as the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, ICIMOD is providing valuable insights and recommendations to address the challenges of climate change and GLOFs in the region.
In conclusion, GLOFs are a significant threat to communities in the HKH region, and the risk is only increasing due to climate change. However, by implementing measures such as artificial dams, early warning systems, and promoting sustainable practices, we can reduce the impact of GLOFs and protect the lives and livelihoods of people living in the region. It is also crucial for governments and communities to work together and take collective action to address the root cause of GLOFs – climate change. Let us all join hands and take steps towards
