Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

1
Plutus Academy
2
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

• GS3 Disaster Management

The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) was the
Subject of an article produced by the brilliant
content writer Gaurav Nikumbh. The article
discusses the glaciers' perilous situation,
including their steady shrinking and threat to
both people and the environment. The fluctuating
conditions of these lakes formed by glaciers can
cause flooding and wipe out communities of people
and other wildlife.
3
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

• This passage refers to the original article on
   Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). You can
  click on the provided link to explore the Topic
  more deeply.
• Glacial lakes are associated with melting
  glaciers and can pose environmental and human
  settlement risks.
• A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurs when
  a glacial lake experiences a sudden release of
  water.

4
Glacial Lakes Potential Time Bombs

• Glacial lakes come in various forms and tend to
  expand as glaciers melt, making them hazardous.
• They are typically dammed by unstable materials
  like ice and loose rocks, making them prone to
  sudden water releases, resulting in GLOFs.
• GLOF events can be triggered by
• Earthquakes
• Extreme Rainfall
• Ice Avalanches
• These factors disrupt the stability around
  glacial lakes, causing rapid water discharge and
  downstream flooding.
• One cannot underestimate the significance of
  reading and retaining Current affairs, as a
  significant chunk of SSC, Bank, and various
  competitive exams revolves around this subject
  matter.

5
The 2013 Uttarakhand Disaster

• In 2013, a GLOF event triggered by the Chorabari
  Tal glacial lake led to flash floods in the
  Kedarnath region, Uttarakhand, causing
  significant loss of life.

6
More about South Lhonak Lake GLOF

• The South Lhonak Lake's outburst was triggered by
  heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods.
• The Teesta River and several districts were
  affected, highlighting downstream vulnerability.
• Monitoring by the Central Water Commission
  revealed glacial retreat and lake growth.

7
NDMA Guidelines on Risk Mitigation of GLOF

• Guidelines recommend identifying and mapping
  high-risk glacial lakes, using field observations
  and historical data.
• Structural measures involve controlled breaching
  and water pumping to reduce lake volume.
• Early warning systems with sensors and monitoring
  equipment are crucial for timely alerts and
  evacuations.
• Capacity building, public awareness, and
  continuous research and monitoring are vital for
  GLOF preparedness and mitigation.

8
Thank You! For More Information Contact us
at- Call- 91 8123002808 Email-
Info_at_plutusacademy.com Visit us-
www.plutusacademy.com Facebook
https//www.facebook.com/plutusacademy Instagram
https//www.instagram.com/_plutusacademy Twitter-
https//twitter.com/PlutusAcademy_ Linkedin-
https//www.linkedin.com/company/plutusacademy You
tube https//www.youtube.com/c/plutusacademy Pint
erest https//in.pinterest.com/plutusacademyoffic
ial/