High-Altitude Lakes Expanding In Arunachal, Raising Flood Risk: Study
A new study identifies two high-altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh as high-risk for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Researchers warn that climate change is causing these lakes to expand, threatening downstream settlements and hydropower infrastructure.
Why it matters
Glacial lake expansion due to global warming presents a significant disaster risk for Himalayan communities and critical infrastructure.
A new study has identified two high-altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh as being at high risk of triggering glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), while 36 others have been classified as medium risk, raising concerns about the state's vulnerability to such disasters.The study, published in Discover Hazards, assessed 127 lakes across Arunachal Pradesh. It found that 89 lakes were at low risk, 36 at medium risk and two at high risk of a GLOF.A GLOF occurs when water stored in a glacial or high-altitude lake is suddenly released, often after the failure of a natural moraine dam.
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