India Identifies 195 Vulnerable Glacier Lakes Amid Himalayan Risks
India Identifies 195 Vulnerable Glacier Lakes Amid Himalayan Risks
IN · Published Sep 5, 2026
A glacial collapse in Nepal's Rasuwa region near the Nepal-Tibet border has raised concerns about cascading Himalayan hazards.
In response, India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 195 glacier lakes across Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand as vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

Impact & Risks

The identification of 195 vulnerable glacier lakes underscores the potential risk to communities living downstream in six Indian states. GLOFs can lead to catastrophic flooding, endangering lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The Nepal incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust monitoring and preparedness to mitigate such risks. Vulnerable areas in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are particularly at risk of sudden and severe flooding.

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