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Due to the warming climate, the potential for glacial lake outbursts in the Indian Himalayan regions is rising. GIUZ researchers supported the Indian government to develop guidelines for the management of glacial hazards and risks.
Outbursts of glacial lakes can release millions of cubic meters of water and debris and cause catastrophic devastation and flooding up to hundreds of kilometers downstream. As a result, so-called Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risks are receiving increased attention as a key climate change hazard.
To develop a national strategy for GLOF risk management, the National Disaster Management Agency of India (NDMA) has been supported by GIUZ researchers as international experts. The guidelines were released on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October after a one-year elaboration process. Indian Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Swiss support through the scientific task force, contracted by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
GLOF Risk Guidelines for India
National Disaster Management Authority: Guidelines on Management of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
Summary
Franziska Schmid