Northeast India Faces Increased Flood Risks from Glacial Lake Outbursts

Prof Mahendra P Lama highlights the escalating threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Northeast India, emphasizing the region's vulnerability due to the absence of protective barriers. He attributes the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers to climate change and human activities, warning of potential impacts on local rivers like the Brahmaputra. The need for international cooperation and real-time data sharing is crucial to address these challenges effectively. This article delves into the implications of GLOF and the urgent need for monitoring glacial lakes in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 09:06 IST

Rising Vulnerability in the Northeast

Representational Image

Guwahati, Sept 16: According to Prof Mahendra P Lama, an adviser at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, the Northeast region of India is particularly susceptible to flooding due to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), more so than other regions in the country.

In an interview, Prof Lama explained that while other areas of India have buffer nations like Nepal and Bhutan that can absorb the impact of such glacial events, the Northeast lacks such protective barriers, making it directly vulnerable to the effects of Himalayan glacial lakes.

He noted that the glaciers in the Himalayas have been melting at an accelerated rate over the past twenty years, attributing this trend primarily to global warming and climate change, along with human activities that exacerbate the situation.

Prof Lama emphasized that the integrity of the mountains is compromised, with the first signs of GLOF observed in the 1980s, and the situation has progressively deteriorated since then.

Research indicates that numerous glacial lakes have emerged in the Himalayas due to melting glaciers, heightening the risk of GLOF events. He stressed the importance of monitoring these lakes closely.

Additionally, he pointed out that the frequency of avalanches in the Himalayas has risen, further increasing the GLOF threat. The occurrence of cloudbursts in the region has also surged, compounding the risks associated with GLOF.

When asked about the implications of accelerated glacier melting on glacier-fed rivers like the Brahmaputra, Prof Lama acknowledged that these rivers could experience reduced flow during dry seasons, which would negatively impact local communities and hydroelectric projects.

He shared his observations from a visit to the Brahmaputra's source in Tibet in June 2019, noting that the glaciers there had also receded, potentially affecting the river's flow in the future.

Prof Lama advocated for international collaboration to conduct comprehensive studies on glacier melting and its potential adverse effects, emphasizing the need for real-time data sharing among countries to mitigate the impacts of GLOF.