Excess of snow is deposited in the high hills and mountains. Due to the climate change, the temperature of the earth is also increasing. This has resulted in the melting of the snow, which get collected and forms glacial lake. A number of glacial lakes have been formed in Nepal. Many glacial lakes of Nepal have suffered outburst and some of them of them are in verge of outburst. The glacial lake outburst causes flood which can cause a heavy loss of life and property.

It has been reported that five lakes are potentially dangerous, namely Sig Tsho, Imja,Lower Barun, Tsho Rolpa and Thulagu. A recent study has reported 20 potentially dangerous lakes in Nepal. In ten of them Glacial Lake Outburst Flood occurred in the past few years and some have been regenerating after event.

Causes of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

1. Erosion of rocks damming the glacial lakes

2. Avalanche of rocks or heavy Snowmass in a glacial lakes

3. Earthquake that damages the walls or support of the glacial lake

4. Pressure due to the large mass of snowy water contained in a glacial lake

Effects of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

1. It causes flood in the draining rivers.

2 It can cause heavy loss of life and property.

3. It destroys human settlement and cultivable land.

4. It can destroy wildlife.

5. It can destroy the infrastructure of development

Preventive measures of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood

1. A regular monitoring is necessary to identify dangerous glacial lakes.

2. Gradual Outlet of water of the lake should be managed for risky lakes.

3. Human settlement and grazing of the cattle should be avoided near bigger glacial lakes.