The Nepal Bhote Koshi disaster is not an isolated Himalayan tragedy. Over the past 15 years, major disasters across the Himalayas have claimed more than 10,000 lives. New scientific research has raised fresh concerns over the rapidly growing number of Glacial Lakes and GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) risks in the Himalayas.
According to reported government and scientific data, thousands of glacial lakes now exist across the Himalayan region, with hundreds classified as potentially dangerous. In Uttarakhand, 13 high-altitude glacial lakes have been identified as vulnerable, raising concerns for districts including Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh.
From the 2013 Kedarnath disaster and 2021 Chamoli flood to the recent Dharali and Nepal disasters, the Himalayan region is witnessing increasing climate and disaster risks.
In this video, ThirdPole.Live explores GLOF threats, melting glaciers, climate change, hydropower projects and the future of Uttarakhand and the Himalayas.
