Climate crisis: the threat of glacial lakes

Melting ice can cause catastrophic flooding. North of theIndiatorrents of mud invaded the small town of Melli, located almost at sea level, two months ago. In a few hours, they left 77 dead and 100 missing in the valley. Further upstream, the bridge Singtam did not withstand the power of water and debris. In the region, 1,200 houses were damaged and 5,000 people rescued. Because further upstream still, the dam of Chungthang surrendered. Nothing could stop the millions of meters cubes lake water Lhonak South, at 5,200 meters above sea level. Lake Lhonak South East fed by the third highest glacier in the world. It filled up, but it was impossible to imagine that it would suddenly lose two thirds of its volume.

A risk that also concerns France

Melting ice fills the lakes of the Himalayan range. In Pakistan, 3,000 lakes were formed. Thirty of them directly threaten an area of ​​7 million inhabitants downstream. In France, in the Alps, 150,000 cubic meters of water risk spilling into Tignes (Savoie). Five years ago, this lake did not exist. Global warming has made it grow. In the summer of 2023, it was partly drained, a temporary solution. In the world, all cold areas are exposed to these flash floods. The number and volume of these glacial lakes have already increased by 50% in 30 years.

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