At least 10 people have lost their lives and 82 others remain missing after a glacial lake burst triggered a devastating flood in India. The incident occurred in the northeastern state of Sikkim, where floodwaters wreaked havoc in several districts, sweeping away people, roads, and bridges. The Indian Army spokesperson, Himanshu Tiwari, described the scene as catastrophic, with severe damage to roads and the destruction of 14 bridges.
The high-altitude Lhonak Lake, located at the base of a glacier in the peaks around Kangchenjunga, experienced intense rainfall, causing it to burst and unleash a massive surge of water down the mountainous valley. Satellite photographs released by the Indian Space Research Organisation revealed that the lake had shrunk by almost two-thirds in size, equivalent to approximately 150 football pitches.
The frequency of violent flooding from glacier lakes dammed by loose rock has been increasing due to rising global temperatures and glacial melting. Climate scientists warn that this poses a growing danger across the broader Himalayan mountain range. The melting of Himalayan glaciers has accelerated due to climate change, exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters.
Miriam Jackson, a scientist specializing in ice who monitors Himalayan regions, explained that the catastrophic situation in Sikkim was triggered by intense rainfall, causing a glacial lake outburst flood and the damaging of a dam. She further emphasized that extreme events like these are becoming more frequent as the climate continues to warm.
The region affected by the flood, Sikkim, is in close proximity to both China and Nepal, and it boasts a significant military presence. India has been particularly cautious about China’s growing military assertiveness, and tensions between the two nations persist over the disputed border. Parts of Sikkim are claimed by Beijing, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The devastating flood in Sikkim serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in high-mountain regions due to climate change. As the Earth’s average surface temperature continues to rise, these areas warm at an even faster rate. Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impact of melting Himalayan glaciers and prevent future disasters.
In summary, a glacial lake burst in Sikkim, India, has resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives, with 82 people still missing. The flood caused severe damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. This tragic event highlights the increasing dangers posed by glacier lakes in the Himalayan region as global temperatures rise and ice continues to melt. Immediate action is required to address the catastrophic effects of climate change in vulnerable mountain communities.
