India steps up glacier monitoring after devastating Nepal floods
Officials will add sensors and early-warning systems as four of 13 sensitive lakes have already been surveyed, the government said.
- Following a deadly August 26 glacial collapse on the Tibet-Nepal border, India is intensifying monitoring of Himalayan glacial lakes. Officials in Uttarakhand ordered vigilant oversight of regional glaciers to prevent potential disaster.
- Nearly 3,000 are missing and 633 dead following the August 26 glacial collapse, the US Geological Survey reported. Climate change is melting Himalayan glaciers that provide water to nearly two billion people, scientists warn.
- With 1,266 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, Secretary Disaster Management Vinod Kumar Suman announced targeted surveys. The government identified 13 sensitive Himalayan lakes for monitoring, with experts preparing to survey Saraswati Tal and Kedartal lakes soon.
- Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to install state-of-the-art early warning systems and sensors at high-risk sites. State disaster management minister Madan Kaushik emphasized that teams must maintain constant vigilance to ensure timely warnings.
- Uttarakhand has experienced significant disasters, including the 2013 Kedar Valley flashflood and the 2025 Dharali tragedy near Gangotri. Vice-Chairman Vinay Ruhela noted the region's geographical vulnerability, stressing the need for continued coordination to protect downstream communities.
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The Star Kuala Lumpur
Nagarik NetworkIndia steps up glacier monitoring after Nepal disaster
India is stepping up monitoring of its Himalayan regions bordering China and Nepal, days after deadly floods apparently triggered by a glacial collapse, authorities said Saturday.
Nepal, Tibet disasters put focus on Uttarakhand's 13 vulnerable glacial lakes
Recent disasters in Tibet and Nepal have renewed concern over Uttarakhand's vulnerable glacial lakes. Delays in early warning systems have sharpened questions over preparedness against possible GLOFs.
Nepal flood highlights growing risk of glacier disasters in the Alps
"Europe is among the continents warming the fastest, driven by human-made climate change. Rapidly retreating glaciers and thawing permafrost are destabilising high mountain regions," glaciologist Olaf Eisen said.
More than 600 people were killed during the devastating flood in the Himalayas, and the neighboring country India is increasing the surveillance of its glaciers.
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