Decades of Warning Preceded Sikkim Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

Abstract

In a tragic turn of events, Sikkim, a picturesque Indian state nestled in the Himalayas, experienced a devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) on the early morning of October 4th, causing widespread destruction in its wake. The incident has once again brought to light the long-standing warnings issued by government agencies and research studies about the looming threat of GLOFs in the region, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate such disasters.

The GLOF, which originated from Lhonak Lake, unleashed a sudden and massive surge of water downstream along the Teesta River Basin, wreaking havoc on its path. The affected districts of Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi bore the brunt of the catastrophe, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.