The Nepal floods have exposed the threat posed by glacial lakes in the Himalayas. Now a study has warned that between nine and 12 lakes in Himachal Pradesh are at a "critical" stage. This means that all these lakes could burst as the rising heat breaks down the barriers, creating the threat of similar floods. Researchers at IIT Mandi conducted a study of 2,000 glacial lakes and found that the risk from melting glaciers is rising.&nbsp;The research states that besides the melting glaciers and the expanding glacial lakes, permafrost loss has also destabilised the terrain. Climate change has triggered conditions to change rapidly under the Himalayan glaciers. With permafrost also melting, the mountain region has become increasingly unstable. Several of the glacial lakes studied by the IIT Mandi scientists have expanded over a decade, with 30 to 60 per cent of them today bigger than what they were 10 years ago.<h2>Four main lakes flagged</h2>Glaciers are bearing the brunt of rising tourism, pollution and dust deposits, all of which have accelerated the melting. The National Disaster Management Authority has identified four lakes that require immediate attention: Ghepan Lake, Vasuki Lake, Kashang and a lake near Baspa. The threats have expanded due to human-induced changes in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beginning-of-the-end-more-glacial-lake-outbursts-threaten-millions-in-india-nepal-and-china-1788328630280">Beginning of the end? More glacial lake outbursts threaten millions in India, Nepal and China</a>&nbsp;Ghepan Lake, Yoche Lake and Kali Kund Lake pose the greatest risk as they are continuously expanding. Vasuki Lake is also expanding, although the absence of human settlements for kilometres minimises the risk.&nbsp;The rise in tourism has emerged as one of the major factors affecting the glaciers and the lakes. Carbon and dust are depositing on glaciers, accelerating melting. The melting of permafrost creates instability when the layer above moves.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-and-tibet-floods-warning-sign-of-a-looming-disaster-two-days-before-tragedy-struck-1788234797394">Warning sign of a looming disaster recorded two days before tragedy struck</a>&nbsp;The Nepal floods are said to have occurred after a glacier near the Langtang Lirung mountain peak collapsed and fell into the valley. Chinese and UN experts have warned that similar glacial floods could slam the region as more glaciers in the region have weakened. Scientists say that the Himalayas are warming faster than other areas, with Nepal, China and India at major risk.

A study of 2,000 glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh by IIT Mandi has found that at least 12 lakes are in the late stages of bursting. Four of them are at higher risk. Tourism and dust deposits on glaciers have accelerated melting.

The Nepal floods have exposed the threat posed by glacial lakes in the Himalayas. Now a study has warned that between nine and 12 lakes in Himachal Pradesh are at a "critical" stage. This means that all these lakes could burst as the rising heat breaks down the barriers, creating the threat of similar floods. Researchers at IIT Mandi conducted a study of 2,000 glacial lakes and found that the risk from melting glaciers is rising. The research states that besides the melting glaciers and the expanding glacial lakes, permafrost loss has also destabilised the terrain. Climate change has triggered conditions to change rapidly under the Himalayan glaciers. With permafrost also melting, the mountain region has become increasingly unstable. Several of the glacial lakes studied by the IIT Mandi scientists have expanded over a decade, with 30 to 60 per cent of them today bigger than what they were 10 years ago. Four main lakes flagged Glaciers are bearing the brunt of rising tourism, pollution and dust deposits, all of which have accelerated the melting. The National Disaster Management Authority has identified four lakes that require immediate attention: Ghepan Lake, Vasuki Lake, Kashang and a lake near Baspa. The threats have expanded due to human-induced changes in the region. Also Read: Beginning of the end? More glacial lake outbursts threaten millions in India, Nepal and China Ghepan Lake, Yoche Lake and Kali Kund Lake pose the greatest risk as they are continuously expanding. Vasuki Lake is also expanding, although the absence of human settlements for kilometres minimises the risk. The rise in tourism has emerged as one of the major factors affecting the glaciers and the lakes. Carbon and dust are depositing on glaciers, accelerating melting. The melting of permafrost creates instability when the layer above moves. Also Read: Warning sign of a looming disaster recorded two days before tragedy struck The Nepal floods are said to have occurred after a glacier near the Langtang Lirung mountain peak collapsed and fell into the valley. Chinese and UN experts have warned that similar glacial floods could slam the region as more glaciers in the region have weakened. Scientists say that the Himalayas are warming faster than other areas, with Nepal, China and India at major risk.

A study of 2,000 glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh by IIT Mandi has found that at least 12 lakes are in the late stages of bursting. Four of them are at higher risk. Tourism and dust deposits on glaciers have accelerated melting.

IIT Mandi researchers flag 9-12 glacial lakes as 'critical' in Himachal Pradesh amid permafrost loss

Days after the massive devastation and loss of lives in Nepal, authorities in Himachal Pradesh said they have identified 67 vulnerable glacial lakes, including several in remote, high-altitude areas. The government is working to establish early warning systems for four of the most vulnerable lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, revealed Special Secretary, Disaster Management, Pushpinder Rana.&nbsp;The state is monitoring the lakes using satellite imagery and other scientific data to detect any changes that could increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).&nbsp;It is also looking for technical solutions like installing sensors that can transmit real-time data from remote locations where conventional communication networks are unavailable.&nbsp;<h2>‘Large number of vulnerable glacial lakes cause for concern’</h2>&nbsp;Rana told news agency ANI that the identification of a large number of vulnerable glacial lakes was a cause for concern, especially as recent disasters in the Himalayas have shown that major incidents can occur without conventional warning signs such as heavy rainfall.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-successfully-launches-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-to-unravel-mysteries-of-universe-1788094822217">NASA successfully launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to unravel mysteries of universe</a>&nbsp;“Number bada hai, chinta ka vishay toh hai hi (The figure is huge, it’s of course a matter of concern). At the State Centre for Climate Change, we have identified 67 such lakes which are above 10 hectares in area. We are analysing them through satellite and other data to see whether any such situation is developing in them,” he said.&nbsp;Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occur when water stored in or around a glacial lake is suddenly released. The large volumes of water flow downstream and can trigger flash floods, damage infrastructure and pose a serious threat to settlements.&nbsp;<h2>‘State seeking technological solutions for constant monitoring’</h2>&nbsp;Recent incidents highlight the difficulty of predicting such events solely on the basis of rainfall forecasts, said Rana, adding that the state was therefore seeking technological solutions that could enable continuous monitoring of vulnerable lakes, particularly those situated in inaccessible terrain.&nbsp;“Until we find an innovative way to move forward on this, we will not be able to take effective steps regarding them,” Rana said.&nbsp;The state has submitted a proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to establish early warning systems for vulnerable glacial lakes, and work has been taken up on four lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti under the National Landslide Mitigation Programme, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-chief-rafael-grossi-endorses-trump-s-plan-to-meet-kim-jong-un-1787859637436">UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi endorses Trump’s plan to meet Kim Jong Un</a>&nbsp;The lakes include Parchu Lake and vulnerable locations in the Sangla-Kinnaur region, besides sites in Lahaul-Spiti. The proposed systems are intended to detect potentially dangerous changes in lake conditions and communicate warnings to authorities and downstream populations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The problem is that these locations are in very remote areas where there is no network connectivity. Where will the sensors be installed, how will they be installed and how will the data be transferred? These are the challenges,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Early warning system to be installed at Dipang Ghat after NDMA nod’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The state is working with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to develop technological solutions to address these challenges. The state would begin installing an early warning system at Dipang Ghat once it receives final approval from the NDMA, Rana said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The government is undertaking High Flood Level (HFL) marking in downstream areas that could potentially be affected by a sudden release of water. “The High Flood Level marking in the downstream areas that could be affected is also being taken up at Dipang Ghat. The process is underway,” Rana said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-one-nepali-school-principal-saved-1-643-children-from-deadly-flash-floods-1788091387981">How one Nepali school principal saved 1,643 children from deadly flash floods</a>&nbsp;Experts studying the Himalayas now use remote sensing and satellite imagery to track changes in glaciers and glacial lakes, particularly in high-altitude areas that are difficult or hazardous to access.&nbsp;The availability of high-resolution satellite imagery has made the detection of smaller water bodies easy and enabled more precise monitoring of changes in their extent.&nbsp;“There are around 1,000 such lakes within the Indian side of the border, and to understand what is happening and how it is happening, we definitely need international knowledge and exchange,” he said.&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh faces growing risks from GLOFs, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and other climate- and weather-related hazards.

Himachal Pradesh government has submitted a proposal to the NDMA to establish early warning systems for vulnerable glacial lakes, and work has been taken up on four lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti under the National Landslide Mitigation Programme.

Days after the massive devastation and loss of lives in Nepal, authorities in Himachal Pradesh said they have identified 67 vulnerable glacial lakes, including several in remote, high-altitude areas. The government is working to establish early warning systems for four of the most vulnerable lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, revealed Special Secretary, Disaster Management, Pushpinder Rana. The state is monitoring the lakes using satellite imagery and other scientific data to detect any changes that could increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). It is also looking for technical solutions like installing sensors that can transmit real-time data from remote locations where conventional communication networks are unavailable. ‘Large number of vulnerable glacial lakes cause for concern’ Rana told news agency ANI that the identification of a large number of vulnerable glacial lakes was a cause for concern, especially as recent disasters in the Himalayas have shown that major incidents can occur without conventional warning signs such as heavy rainfall. Also Read: NASA successfully launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to unravel mysteries of universe “Number bada hai, chinta ka vishay toh hai hi (The figure is huge, it’s of course a matter of concern). At the State Centre for Climate Change, we have identified 67 such lakes which are above 10 hectares in area. We are analysing them through satellite and other data to see whether any such situation is developing in them,” he said. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) occur when water stored in or around a glacial lake is suddenly released. The large volumes of water flow downstream and can trigger flash floods, damage infrastructure and pose a serious threat to settlements. ‘State seeking technological solutions for constant monitoring’ Recent incidents highlight the difficulty of predicting such events solely on the basis of rainfall forecasts, said Rana, adding that the state was therefore seeking technological solutions that could enable continuous monitoring of vulnerable lakes, particularly those situated in inaccessible terrain. “Until we find an innovative way to move forward on this, we will not be able to take effective steps regarding them,” Rana said. The state has submitted a proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to establish early warning systems for vulnerable glacial lakes, and work has been taken up on four lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti under the National Landslide Mitigation Programme, he said. Also Read: UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi endorses Trump’s plan to meet Kim Jong Un The lakes include Parchu Lake and vulnerable locations in the Sangla-Kinnaur region, besides sites in Lahaul-Spiti. The proposed systems are intended to detect potentially dangerous changes in lake conditions and communicate warnings to authorities and downstream populations. “The problem is that these locations are in very remote areas where there is no network connectivity. Where will the sensors be installed, how will they be installed and how will the data be transferred? These are the challenges,” he said. ‘Early warning system to be installed at Dipang Ghat after NDMA nod’ The state is working with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to develop technological solutions to address these challenges. The state would begin installing an early warning system at Dipang Ghat once it receives final approval from the NDMA, Rana said. The government is undertaking High Flood Level (HFL) marking in downstream areas that could potentially be affected by a sudden release of water. “The High Flood Level marking in the downstream areas that could be affected is also being taken up at Dipang Ghat. The process is underway,” Rana said. Also Read: How one Nepali school principal saved 1,643 children from deadly flash floods Experts studying the Himalayas now use remote sensing and satellite imagery to track changes in glaciers and glacial lakes, particularly in high-altitude areas that are difficult or hazardous to access. The availability of high-resolution satellite imagery has made the detection of smaller water bodies easy and enabled more precise monitoring of changes in their extent. “There are around 1,000 such lakes within the Indian side of the border, and to understand what is happening and how it is happening, we definitely need international knowledge and exchange,” he said. Himachal Pradesh faces growing risks from GLOFs, flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides and other climate- and weather-related hazards.

Himachal Pradesh government has submitted a proposal to the NDMA to establish early warning systems for vulnerable glacial lakes, and work has been taken up on four lakes in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti under the National Landslide Mitigation Programme.

After Nepal floods, Himachal identifies 67 vulnerable glacial lakes, plans early warning systems for 4 high-risk ones

India is installing advanced warning systems at nearly 200 Himalayan glacial lakes that are at risk of overflowing. A deadly threat exacerbated by climate change with over 7,500 glacial lakes in the region, many of them pose a serious threat of flash floods.

India launches flood warning systems at 200 high-risk Himalayan glacial lakes

India is setting up high-tech warning systems at nearly 200 Himalayan glacial lakes at risk of bursting their banks, a deadly threat exacerbated by climate change, disaster officials said on Tuesday.

India to deploy flood warning systems at 200 high-risk Himalayan glacial lakes

A study by India's space agency, ISRO has found that over 27 per cent of the identified glacial lakes in the Himalayas have notably expanded since 1984 and 130 of those are in India.

27% of identified glacial lakes have expanded: Study

Glaciers have been melting increasingly due to climate change, and it was widely believed that they end up in oceans upon melting. However, recent studies have found that'll meltwater does not go into the oceans.

The volume of lakes formed by glacier's meltwater has increased to 50 per cent in the last 30 years, new satellite images and data has revealed.

"We have known that not all meltwater is making it into the oceans immediately," lead author Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist and associate professor at the University of Calgary, said in a statement.

"But until now there were no data to estimate how much was being stored in lakes or groundwater."

The study was published in&nbsp;Nature Climate Change on Monday. Shugar believes the study will help other scientists and researchers in identifying hazards to communities that live near these&nbsp;unstable lakes. The study can also help improve the accuracy of the estimates in sea level.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenland-ice-has-shrunk-beyond-return-study-finds-320639">Also read:&nbsp;Greenland ice has shrunk beyond return, study finds</a>

The glacier lakes are highly unstable and pose a threat to communities living near it, as they are&nbsp;dammed by ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. The water from these lakes can cause heavy floods.

Known as glacial lake outbursts, this kind of flooding has been responsible for thousands of deaths in the last century, as well as the destruction of villages, infrastructure and livestock, according to the study, published in Nature Climate Change.

The most recent recorded incident was a glacial lake outburst that washed through the Hunza Valley in Pakistan in May.

The other main sources of sea level rise are ice sheets and the expansion of ocean water as it warms.

"In the past 100 years, 35 percent of global sea-level rises came from glacier melting," Anders Levermann, climate professor at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Change Impact told media.

The glacier melt has increased as the Earth's temperature has increased one degree Celsius since preindustrial times&nbsp;and the temperature in high-mountain areas have increased twice that pace.

The recent study is based on&nbsp;based on 250,000 scenes from NASA's Landsat satellite missions. Through these images, it has been estimated that the current glacial lakes volume at more than 150 cubic kilometres (37 cubic miles), equivalent to one-third the volume of Lake Erie in the United States or twice the volume of Lake Geneva.

Earlier this year, the UN Development Programme had also estimated a threat to almost seven million people from the&nbsp;3,000 glacial lakes that have formed&nbsp;in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.

Glaciers have been melting increasingly due to climate change, and it was widely believed that they end up in oceans upon melting. However, recent studies have found that'll meltwater does not go into the oceans.

Glaciers have been melting increasingly due to climate change, and it was widely believed that they end up in oceans upon melting. However, recent studies have found that'll meltwater does not go into the oceans. The volume of lakes formed by glacier's meltwater has increased to 50 per cent in the last 30 years, new satellite images and data has revealed. "We have known that not all meltwater is making it into the oceans immediately," lead author Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist and associate professor at the University of Calgary, said in a statement. "But until now there were no data to estimate how much was being stored in lakes or groundwater." The study was published in Nature Climate Change on Monday. Shugar believes the study will help other scientists and researchers in identifying hazards to communities that live near these unstable lakes. The study can also help improve the accuracy of the estimates in sea level. Also read: Greenland ice has shrunk beyond return, study finds The glacier lakes are highly unstable and pose a threat to communities living near it, as they are dammed by ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. The water from these lakes can cause heavy floods. Known as glacial lake outbursts, this kind of flooding has been responsible for thousands of deaths in the last century, as well as the destruction of villages, infrastructure and livestock, according to the study, published in Nature Climate Change. The most recent recorded incident was a glacial lake outburst that washed through the Hunza Valley in Pakistan in May. The other main sources of sea level rise are ice sheets and the expansion of ocean water as it warms. "In the past 100 years, 35 percent of global sea-level rises came from glacier melting," Anders Levermann, climate professor at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Change Impact told media. The glacier melt has increased as the Earth's temperature has increased one degree Celsius since preindustrial times and the temperature in high-mountain areas have increased twice that pace. The recent study is based on based on 250,000 scenes from NASA's Landsat satellite missions. Through these images, it has been estimated that the current glacial lakes volume at more than 150 cubic kilometres (37 cubic miles), equivalent to one-third the volume of Lake Erie in the United States or twice the volume of Lake Geneva. Earlier this year, the UN Development Programme had also estimated a threat to almost seven million people from the 3,000 glacial lakes that have formed in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.

Glacier lakes have increased 50% in last 30 years: Study

&nbsp;A survey conducted by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-pakistan-protests-erupt-across-pok-gilgit-baltistan-6192" target="_blank">Pakistan</a> based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous.

The survey added&nbsp;that seven of the glacial lakes pose&nbsp;a major threat to the people.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

After the survey experts attending a seminar in Islamabad also said that&nbsp;Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to climate change.

&quot;The Khurdopin Glacier has touched the mountain which has formed a small lake. The lake is frozen at the moment, but from March onward, when the ice starts melting, the flow of water would be intense. We are not predicting immense damage, but footbridges and Shimshal Valley, which is very narrow in nature; the road there might get affected, said Dr. Nazeer Ahmed.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

Officials from Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, who were present during the seminar, are looking for measures&nbsp;to protect villagers during any disaster.

Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir, is under the occupation of Pakistan since 1947.

Ever since its occupation, the region has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-expresses-concern-over-human-rights-situation-in-pakistan-controlled-kashmir-5456" target="_blank">misruled by Pakistan</a>.

The people from the region have been staging a frequent protest demanding basic rights for themselves and against the Pakistan government&#39;s oppression and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">illegal taxation</a>.

The entrance of China in Gilgit Baltistan has added to the suffering of the local people.

The people also claim that the region&#39;s resources are not utilised for their use.&nbsp;

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36 glacial lakes in various valleys of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> declared dangerous due to melting, at least seven of them pose a threat to locals, says survey by a Pakistan based NGO. The region has been facing environmental issues since launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPEC</a>) <a href="https://t.co/gJHPYChJ67">pic.twitter.com/gJHPYChJ67</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970131522786353154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

A survey conducted by a Pakistan based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous. The survey added that seven of the glacial lakes pose a major threat to the people

A survey conducted by a Pakistan based NGO has declared 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan as dangerous. The survey added that seven of the glacial lakes pose a major threat to the people. Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London After the survey experts attending a seminar in Islamabad also said that Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to climate change. "The Khurdopin Glacier has touched the mountain which has formed a small lake. The lake is frozen at the moment, but from March onward, when the ice starts melting, the flow of water would be intense. We are not predicting immense damage, but footbridges and Shimshal Valley, which is very narrow in nature; the road there might get affected, said Dr. Nazeer Ahmed. Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK Officials from Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, who were present during the seminar, are looking for measures to protect villagers during any disaster. Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir, is under the occupation of Pakistan since 1947. Ever since its occupation, the region has been misruled by Pakistan. The people from the region have been staging a frequent protest demanding basic rights for themselves and against the Pakistan government's oppression and illegal taxation. The entrance of China in Gilgit Baltistan has added to the suffering of the local people. The people also claim that the region's resources are not utilised for their use. 36 glacial lakes in various valleys of #GilgitBaltistan declared dangerous due to melting, at least seven of them pose a threat to locals, says survey by a Pakistan based NGO. The region has been facing environmental issues since launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (#CPEC) pic.twitter.com/gJHPYChJ67 — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

36 glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan turns dangerous due to CPEC: Survey

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