Hanging Glaciers in Uttarakhand Pose Increased Risk of Avalanches and Floods
Hanging Glaciers in Uttarakhand Pose Increased Risk of Avalanches and Floods
IN · Published Aug 31, 2026
A recent study has identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda basin of Uttarakhand, India.
These glaciers, perched on steep mountain slopes, are increasingly at risk of structural failure due to climate change-induced warming and permafrost thaw.

Impact & Risks

The potential collapse of hanging glaciers in Uttarakhand could trigger devastating avalanches and floods, endangering pilgrimage towns, Char Dham roads, and hydropower projects in the region. The 2021 Chamoli disaster serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of such events. The risks are heightened by the glaciers' sensitivity to gravitational shear stresses and their dynamic instability. Communities living downstream and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to these hazards, necessitating urgent risk mitigation measures.

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