Last month Sikkim witnessed a devastating natural disaster in the valley. The Sikkim flood of 2023 left in its wake a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of at least 179 individuals (up to October 20 2023) and wreaking havoc on the region's infrastructure. The convergence of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and intense rainfall triggered a catastrophic event that underscored the vulnerability of the Himalayan ecosystem to the ravages of climate change.
The calamity was set in
motion by a landslide into South Lhonak lake, a potential disaster zone that
researchers had long cautioned about. This event, combined with excessive
rainfall, resulted in a devastating flood that surged down the Teesta River, impacting
the crucial Teesta III hydroelectric dam at Chungthang. It became clear that
increased human activity, particularly rampant construction in the Teesta valley
since 2006, had significantly heightened the region's susceptibility to such
disasters. The consequences of unchecked urbanization and infrastructural
development were severely revealed as the floodwaters swept away bridges,
highways, and even the Chungthang dam downstream, leaving entire towns in
disarray.
Sikkim's recent devastating flood
serves as a warning for Nepal, highlighting the potential disasters that could
unfold in the region. With the mountains experiencing an annual temperature
increase of 0.056 degrees Celsius, the looming threat of glacial lake outbursts
is becoming increasingly concerning. The case of Thulagi glacier in Nepal
exemplifies this perilous situation. Over the past four decades, Thulagi has
receded by approximately 2 kilometers, giving way to the formation of a
substantial glacial lake.
Experts monitoring Thulagi have expressed
grave concerns about the potential consequences of a glacial lake outburst. If
Thulagi were to burst, the resulting flood would cascade down 100 kilometers
downstream, affecting vital rivers such as Marsyangdi and Narayani. The
destructive force would impact numerous essential infrastructures, including
hydroelectric projects, highways, and towns along the way. Pradeep Mool, a
renowned glacial scientist formerly associated with ICIMOD, has reiterated the
severity of the threat posed by Thulagi and other similar lakes. Moreover, with
42 hazardous lakes identified in the Koshi basin alone, Nepal's vulnerability
to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) is a pressing concern that demands
immediate attention and comprehensive mitigation strategies from government as
well as every citizen of the nation.
Photo credit: ICIMOD
TO SUMMARIZE:
The danger lurking from global rising in temperature is clear. South Lhonak lake has tripled its size in last three decades due to melting ice. The 2021 study, published in Geomorphology, highlighted that South Lhonak Kale has witnessed secious growth in size signaling towards Glaciar Lake Outflow Flood. And eventually, it happened.
The Sikkim flood of 2023 serves as a poignant wake-up call, urging us to act swiftly and decisively in the face of a changing climate. This event serves as a warning for Nepal, highlighting the potential disasters that could unfold in the region. Like ICIMOD reported, there are more than 47 risky GLOF in Nepal indicating towards a serious danger. While governments and international organizations must spearhead comprehensive disaster management plans and climate adaptation strategies, individual actions play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change. By embracing sustainable practices, advocating for responsible policies, and reducing carbon footprints, each one of us can contribute to building a resilient future for vulnerable regions like ours. It is only through collective efforts and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices that we can hope to protect our communities and preserve the fragile ecosystems of Himalaya.
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