What caused the flood in Sikkim?
The flood was caused by a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), where a lake formed by melting glaciers suddenly broke free, causing massive flooding.
What is a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
A GLOF occurs when a lake formed by melting glaciers suddenly breaks its natural barriers, releasing a large amount of water and causing flooding.
How many people were affected?
More than 25 people have been confirmed dead, and many are missing. Infrastructure like dams and bridges were also severely damaged.
Was the flood predictable?
It's unclear. While there were signs like retreating glaciers and rising water levels, the exact trigger for the flood is still under investigation. Factors like rainfall, earthquakes, and other natural events are being considered.
Could infrastructure projects have contributed to the flood?
There's concern that projects like the Chungthang dam could impact the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, potentially contributing to such disasters. However, this is still under study.
What was the extent of the damage?
The flood destroyed the Chungthang dam, 11 bridges, water pipelines, sewage lines, and 277 houses. It also disrupted communication and electricity generation.
Is there a way to prevent such events in the future?
While it's difficult to prevent natural events like GLOFs, better planning and early warning systems could help mitigate the impact of such disasters.
What are the authorities doing now?
Emergency meetings have been convened to assess the damage. Relief camps have been set up for affected people, and efforts are underway to repair the damaged infrastructure.
Are such events likely to happen again?
Experts warn that the frequency and severity of such events could increase due to climate change and human activities that disturb the natural ecosystem.
Why should I care?
Understanding the causes and consequences of such natural disasters can help in better planning and preparedness, potentially saving lives and property in the future.
