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Weather
Sikkim flags 40 high‑risk glacial lakes, warns of flood threat after Nepal disaster
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 05 Sep 2026, 03:32 AM
👁 4
State officials in Sikkim have identified 40 glacial lakes that pose a high risk of flooding, a warning issued in the wake of recent Nepal floods.
Sikkim's disaster management authorities have completed a survey that lists 40 glacial lakes deemed to have a high potential for outburst floods. The assessment follows the severe flooding that struck neighbouring Nepal, prompting regional officials to re‑evaluate similar hazards in the Indian Himalayas.
Experts say that sudden releases of water from these lakes could trigger flash floods in downstream valleys, endangering settlements and infrastructure. The identified lakes are spread across the state's high‑altitude districts, many of which are sparsely populated but lie upstream of major river basins.
The state government has urged local communities to stay alert and is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority to develop mitigation plans, including early‑warning systems and possible lake‑drainage measures.
While detailed evacuation protocols are being drafted, officials emphasize that continuous monitoring will be essential to prevent loss of life and property during the monsoon season.
Experts say that sudden releases of water from these lakes could trigger flash floods in downstream valleys, endangering settlements and infrastructure. The identified lakes are spread across the state's high‑altitude districts, many of which are sparsely populated but lie upstream of major river basins.
The state government has urged local communities to stay alert and is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority to develop mitigation plans, including early‑warning systems and possible lake‑drainage measures.
While detailed evacuation protocols are being drafted, officials emphasize that continuous monitoring will be essential to prevent loss of life and property during the monsoon season.