Photo Courtesy: nenow
Itanagar: Authorities in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh have heightened emergency preparedness following warnings of a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in the Mago Chu basin. The local disaster management department issued the alert after receiving data from the Centre for Earth Science and Himalayan Studies, which identified instability and rapid glacier retreat at the Khangri Glacier as significant hazards.
The alert has been shared with the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the Border Roads Organisation to ensure a coordinated response. Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo has urged residents to monitor official updates closely. Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang advised those living near the Mago Chu and Tawang Chu river systems to maintain emergency supplies and prepare for potential evacuations.
Recent inspections of the Khangri Glacier at an altitude of over 17,000 feet revealed substantial ice loss. Officials also examined the Neh-Goh Tso glacial lake situated below the glacier. While the current water level remains stable with outflow exceeding inflow, experts emphasize that the situation could change rapidly due to shifting geological conditions.
Despite these observations, officials are calling for more rigorous monitoring. The formal assessment report stated: "The assessment report has recommended a comprehensive scientific study of glacier retreat, lake depth, water volume, inflow and outflow patterns, and the stability of the moraine dam to improve future hazard assessments." While broad valleys downstream provide a buffer, authorities remain vigilant as these floods pose a major climate-related threat to the Himalayan region.
Comments