• UGI USER
  • Apr 18, 2024
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UNUSUALLY HEAVY RAINFALL PRECEDED GLACIAL LAKE FLOODING LAST OCT: SIKKIM GOVT TO NGT

Why in the news?

Unusually heavy rainfall preceding glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim; government’s report to NGT highlights possible causes.

source:wordpress

About the Unusual Rainfall and Glacial Lake Outburst:

  • Sikkim government informs NGT about heavy rainfall preceding the South Lhonak lake glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) event last October.
  • Report by the North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) analysed satellite data indicating heavy rainfall before the GLOF, though data was unavailable during the incident.
  • Affidavit to NGT confirms initial suspicion by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) that heavy rainfall might have triggered the disaster.
  • GLOF resulted in 40 deaths and 76 missing individuals, flooding four Sikkim districts after Teesta River surged due to the South Lhonak Lake burst.
What is Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

  • Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden, potentially catastrophic flood from water stored behind glaciers or moraines.
  • Weak moraine dams can fail, releasing large water volumes in minutes to days.
  • Himalayan terrain, vulnerable to GLOFs, has over 300 glacial lakes, with ten susceptible to floods.
  • Triggers include earthquakes, heavy rains, and ice avalanches.

About North-Eastern Space Applications Centre(NESAC):

  • Established in September 2000 by joint initiative of the Department of Space, Government of India, and North Eastern Council.
  • Aims to expedite remote sensing technology usage.
  • Focuses on discovering natural minerals and promoting overall growth of North Eastern states of India

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/unusually-heavy-rain-before-last-octobers-glacial-lake-flooding-sikkim-govt-to-ngt-9276524/#:~:text=In%20its%20first%20attempt%20at,glacial%20lake%20outburst%20flood%20