With climate warming mountainous region along the Himalayan glacier have become particularly vulnerable. Himalayan region is changing rapidly. There is increased intensity and frequency of cloud bursts and intense rains. GLOF is adding to hazardous conditions as they become frequent with glacier melting, there is an increase in glacial lake formation in last few years. With glacial retreat the melted water collect as glacial lake and with debris (moraine wall) it can grow much large and triggered by rainfall, avalanche, landslides, seismic activities ('development' activities along the geologically unstable region). GLOF are extremely unpredictable and destructive, and set to increase in frequency and intensity according to latest report of UN. There is a need for increased investment in GLOF adaptive technology like early warning systems, glacier monitoring and local awareness.
*Yesterday's disaster in Uttarkashi (Dharali) is reported as cloudburst, not yet confirmed by experts. Looks like cloudburst but for the horrifying intensity and rapidity GLOF cannot be ruled out. GLOF remains a serious rapidly evolving threat for the region in the coming years. In 2013 a major GLOF in Uttarakhand left more than 5000 people dead.
