The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has warned that over 40 glacial lakes in Nepal are at high risk of bursting. The issue was declared by ICIMOD expert Sharad Kumar Joshi during a discussion held in Kandbari, Sankhuwasabha.
The authorities have warned that, if any of these lakes burst, a sudden flood could sweep through villages downstream, putting thousands of lives at risk. All these lakes are in Koshi Province, making it the most vulnerable region.
Glacial lakes form when ice melts and water collect at the base of glaciers. Due to rising temperatures, glaciers are melting faster, causing lakes to expand and weaken natural barriers. Nepal currently has 2,069 glacial lakes, but experts say 42 of them are now in critical condition.
Among the most concerning locations, Tallopokhari (Thulo Pokhari) in the lower Barun region of Sankhuwasabha is one of them. The lake is almost three kilometres in length and approximately 206 metres deep. It is located on top of settlements in the Arun valley, which exposes communities to the risk of flooding in case of the moraine dam failure of the lake
Within Sankhuwasabha, four glacial lakes-including those in the Bhotkhola and Makalu, are also categorised as high-risk. Additionally, a large pond situated in lower Barun is included. The other 13 glacial lakes originating from the Tibet region could pose a threat to northern areas. The government and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, together with the UNDP Nepal, are in the process of preparing risk-reduction strategies.
Experts have suggested increased satellite monitoring, frequent field checks, and early warning systems. They have also advocated controlled drainage and spillway constructions in the most hazardous lakes
Women, children and older people are usually the hardest hit when floods strike. The specialists remark that the reason is a lack of early warning access and fewer resources to recover. To address this, ICIMOD has started awareness and preparedness programmes aimed at empowering vulnerable groups and helping communities respond faster during disasters.
For now, villages beneath Tallopokhari and other flagged lakes remain under watch. The challenge for Nepal is to turn warnings into fast, practical protection for the people.
