FLOOD RISKS RISING IN HIGH MOUNTAIN ASIA

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT: 

A new study titled “Flood Complexity and Rising Exposure Risk in High Mountain Asia under Climate Change” warns of increasing flood frequency and unpredictability in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges. Since 2000, floods have been occurring outside traditional monsoon periods, posing significant threats to communities and ecosystems.

Types of Floods in High Mountain Asia

1. Rain/Pluvial-induced floods – Caused by heavy rainfall leading to surface runoff.
2. Snowmelt-induced floods – Occur when rising temperatures accelerate snowmelt, increasing river discharge.
3. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) – Result from glacial lake breaches due to melting glaciers or landslides.
4. Landslide-dammed Lake Outburst Floods (LLOFs) – Happen when landslides block rivers, forming temporary lakes that may suddenly burst.

Impact of Climate Change

• Rising temperatures accelerate snowmelt, increasing soil moisture and flood risks.
• GLOFs and LLOFs are influenced by climate-glacier-topography interactions.
• Extreme weather variability leads to unpredictable flood patterns.

Human Activities and Increased Flood Risks

• Urbanization and deforestation weaken natural flood buffers.
• Infrastructure projects, like dams and roads, alter natural drainage.
• Settlements in flood-prone areas increase vulnerability.

Community-Based Mitigation Strategies

• Public awareness programs to educate communities.
• Protective infrastructure, such as embankments and flood barriers.
• Real-time flood monitoring in high-risk valleys.
• International cooperation for flood data-sharing and early warnings.

Need for Improved Climate Data

• Sparse meteorological stations limit flood forecasting.
• The study urges regional climate models for better hazard assessment.
• Strengthening high-altitude weather monitoring is crucial.