New Glacial Lakes Emerge in Nepal Following Avalanche

In a significant geological event, two new glacial lakes have emerged in Nepal, close to the site of an ice-rock avalanche that caused flooding in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river system on August 26, 2026. These lakes, measuring 19.80 hectares and 7.28 hectares respectively, pose a potential risk of water outflow, though authorities currently lack detailed information on their volume and stability.

Krishna Vatsa, the head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of these natural formations, as their development remains unpredictable. "These are lakes that have formed in Nepal, and we don’t have direct knowledge of what’s happening there. We need to keep monitoring," he stated.

Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of a lake in the high-altitude Lhende Khola region, with analysis from Noida-based Suhora Technologies revealing it to span approximately 20.25 hectares. This feature was recorded shortly after the avalanche and is crucial for assessing potential downstream flooding risks.

Experts believe the avalanche originated from a glacier near Langtang Lirung, where a mass of ice and debris fell from around 5,200 meters, creating a fast-moving debris flow that inundated the river system. NDMA officials noted that while India has a monitoring network for such events, limitations remain, making it challenging to provide timely warnings. "We can give early warning 30 to 45 minutes in advance, but when billions of liters of water gush, there is no escape," said an official, emphasizing the importance of restricting construction in vulnerable areas.

Source: www.thehindu.com