glacial lakes Archives - Disasters News

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UNESCO, WMO Unveil 2025 as Year for Glacier Preservation

UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP), emphasizing the urgency of addressing glacier retreat and its global implications. The initiative was officially launched on January 21, aiming to protect Earth's "water towers" essential sources of freshwater for over 2 billion people. The declaration follows a UN General Assembly resolution from December 2022, marking March 21 as World Day for Glaciers annually. With glaciers covering 700,000 square kilometers and storing 70% of the world’s freshwater, their rapid melting poses severe threats such as water scarcity, rising sea levels, and ecosystem collapse. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the severity of the crisis "In 2023, glaciers su...

Dec142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Greenland Experiences One of the Largest Documented Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A massive glacial lake outburst flood, among the largest ever recorded, has been documented in East Greenland, releasing over 3,000 billion litres of meltwater. The event, which occurred between September 23 and October 11, was caused by the sudden release of water from Catalina Lake into the Scoresby Sound fjord, as reported by researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Niels Bohr Institute. Notably, this marks the first time such a phenomenon has been observed in real-time. The flood was triggered when meltwater from Catalina Lake, held back by the Edward Bailey Glacier for over 20 years, carved a 25-kilometre-long tunnel beneath the glacier. This process caused the lake’s water level to plummet by 154 metres. Researchers equated the released volume of water to three times Denmark'...

Aug252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Nepal Accuses China of Withholding Critical Data on Himalayan Glacial Lakes

Breaking News, Environment

Nepal has raised concerns over China's failure to provide essential information about its Himalayan glacial lakes, which poses a significant threat to flood-prone regions in Nepal. A senior Nepali official has accused Beijing of not fulfilling its promises to share crucial data, hindering efforts to prevent devastating flood disasters in the mountainous region. The issue has gained urgency after two lakes in Nepal burst last Friday, destroying dozens of homes in the village of Thame, known for its Everest sherpas. The disaster has heightened fears that global warming, which is accelerating the melting of glaciers, could lead to more such incidents in the future. Jagadishwor Karmacharya, the head of Nepal’s hydrology and meteorology department, emphasized the importance of collaborati...

May142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA Captures Breathtaking Image of Half-Frozen Pangong Tso Lake from Space

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

NASA, renowned for its stunning images of Earth and the Universe, recently shared a captivating photograph of a half-frozen Pangong Tso lake taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The image, posted on Instagram by NASA Earth, showcases the remarkable beauty of this high-altitude lake nestled between India and China. Pangong Tso is renowned as one of the highest lakes globally, boasting an elevation of 4,225 meters (13,862 feet). Despite its lofty altitude, it is not a freshwater lake but rather a saltwater one. During the winter months, the lake freezes entirely, even hosting a marathon atop its icy surface. Notably, the lake's hues change with varying weather conditions, adding to its allure. Describing the image, NASA Earth highlighted the diverse landscapes surrounding ...

Apr232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Avalanche from Mt Manaslu Causes Overflow of Birendra Lake in Nepal

Breaking News, Disasters

Nepal's Birendra Lake, nestled below the towering slopes of Mt Manaslu, recently experienced a dramatic surge in water levels after being struck by a massive avalanche on Sunday morning. The avalanche, cascading down from the heights of Mt Manaslu, triggered an overflow of Birendra Lake, raising concerns about potential flooding downstream. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or casualties thus far, as the site of the overflow is located away from human settlements. However, officials have issued precautionary notices to residents living in downstream areas along the river to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential ramifications of the heightened water flow. Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Home Ministry, emphasized the need for residents near the a...

Jan112024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Impending Catastrophe in Kashmir as Over 100 Rock Glaciers Face Melting Threat

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Thoughts & Talks

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala, has unveiled a looming environmental crisis in Kashmir. The research, led by Assistant Professor Remya S. N, reveals that more than 100 active permafrost structures, commonly known as rock glaciers, in the region are at risk of melting, posing a severe threat to the Jhelum river basin. According to a report published in Down To Earth (DTE), the study indicates that these rock glaciers, which accumulate large amounts of water, are showing signs of swelling and displacement, indicative of permafrost melting. If the temperatures continue to rise, it could lead to massive devastation in the Jhelum basin, with potentially disastrous consequences for the region...