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Nepal Disaster Forces Uttarakhand Govt to Monitor Its Glacier Lakes
Following a deadly August 26 glacial collapse on the Tibet-Nepal border, India is intensifying monitoring of Himalayan glacial lakes. Officials in Uttarakhand ordered vigilant oversight of regional glaciers to prevent potential disaster.
Nearly 3,000 are missing and 633 dead following the August 26 glacial collapse, the US Geological Survey reported. Climate change is melting Himalayan glaciers that provide water to nearly two billion people, scientists warn.
With 1,266 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, Secretary Disaster Management Vinod Kumar Suman announced targeted surveys. The government identified 13 sensitive Himalayan lakes for monitoring, with experts preparing to survey Saraswati Tal and Kedartal lakes soon.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to install state-of-the-art early warning systems and sensors at high-risk sites. State disaster management minister Madan Kaushik emphasized that teams must maintain constant vigilance to ensure timely warnings.
Uttarakhand has experienced significant disasters, including the 2013 Kedar Valley flashflood and the 2025 Dharali tragedy near Gangotri. Vice-Chairman Vinay Ruhela noted the region's geographical vulnerability, stressing the need for continued coordination to protect downstream communities.
More than 600 people were killed during the devastating flood in the Himalayas, and the neighboring country India is increasing the surveillance of its glaciers.
India will keep a close eye on glaciers in the border regions with Nepal and China. Indian authorities announced this after floods in the mountainous area claimed hundreds of lives this week.
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