a-year-since-sikkim-s-glof-road-to-recovery-remains-long

A year after the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that devastated parts of North Sikkim, especially the remote village of Naga, the region continues to grapple with the disaster's aftermath.

The GLOF, which occurred on 4 October 2023, was caused by the rupture of the South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 17,000 feet.

It unleashed a torrent of water downstream, leading to widespread destruction, particularly affecting the Teesta III hydroelectric dam.

 

The incident claimed over 100 lives, while thousands were affected by the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. 

It remains one of the most devastating climate-related disasters in Asia, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

 

 

How GLOFs occur

Glacial lakes like South Lhonak are formed from the accumulation of meltwater from glaciers. These lakes are naturally held back by moraines – ridges of debris created by glacial movement.

Over time, as glaciers retreat due to global warming, these lakes grow larger and pose an increasing risk to nearby communities.

GLOFs occur when these lakes breach their natural barriers, releasing massive amounts of water.

The floodwaters can cause catastrophic damage, especially in mountainous regions, where they sweep away everything in their path, including homes, roads, and hydroelectric projects, as witnessed in Sikkim last year.

Satellite images after the disaster confirmed that approximately 1 square kilometre of South Lhonak Lake had drained compared to its size just a week prior.

The rapid release of water led to the collapse of the Teesta III dam, situated 60 kilometres downstream, and left a trail of devastation in its wake.

 

Villages like Naga, Toong, and Rel were severely impacted, with entire communities destroyed. 

The resulting landslides further complicated rescue and recovery efforts, creating a new lake downstream that required constant monitoring.

Challenges and recovery

One year on, the recovery efforts in Sikkim have been slow but steady. According to Mangan District Superintendent of Police, Sonam Ditchu Bhutia, road connectivity in some areas has been restored, providing a lifeline to local residents.

The reopening of the Dzongu Shipgyor route has been a significant milestone, allowing villagers to regain access to essential services.

"We have managed to reopen the road for local people, and discussions are underway to permit tourists after October 15," Bhutia said.

However, many challenges remain. The Munshithang landslides continue to obstruct the main highway to Lachen, a popular tourist destination.

Although alternative routes are being considered, efforts to restore the National Highway 310, which connects Lachung and Lachen, have been hindered by ongoing rains and unstable terrain.

 

Bhutia emphasised that while small vehicles can navigate alternate routes, full recovery will depend on weather conditions improving.

 

Displacement and rehabilitation

For those displaced by the GLOF, the past year has been a struggle. Prem Bahadur Darjee, a resident of Naga, is one of many who now live in rented accommodations in Mangan.

 

He highlighted the severe impact on the three main villages of Toong, Naga, and Rel, all of which were virtually destroyed by the flood. "Meetings have concluded, and we are being promised land for rebuilding.

 

The families from Toong will receive land nearby, and similar arrangements are being made for those from Naga and Rel," Darjee explained.

 

Nevertheless, approximately 15 families remain in temporary shelters, such as facilities belonging to the Teesta Hydro project. The lack of permanent housing solutions remains a pressing issue for the displaced families.

 

The Mangan District Collector, Ananth Jain, has been working with the government to allocate land for rehabilitation.

 

Jain noted that 12.4 hectares have been proposed to the Land Revenue Department for the resettlement of 113 families affected by the disaster.

 

However, the process of rebuilding homes and infrastructure is likely to take time. 

 

"We have surveyed the area and proposed land allocation, but the persistent rainfall is delaying efforts. We are focused on ensuring that families receive permanent homes as soon as possible," Jain stated.

 

Long-term implications and climate risks

The GLOF that struck Sikkim last year is a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change in the Himalayan region. Glacial lakes, which are expanding as glaciers melt, represent a growing threat to downstream communities. Experts warn that without proactive measures, such incidents could become more frequent.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has highlighted the importance of monitoring glacial lakes and implementing early warning systems. However, such initiatives require sustained investment and international cooperation.

Historically, Sikkim has experienced multiple GLOFs, but the scale of the 2023 disaster has prompted the state government to accelerate its disaster preparedness efforts.

The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) has been working closely with the NDMA and other stakeholders to improve infrastructure and monitoring systems.

 

This includes the installation of sensors to detect rising water levels in glacial lakes, public awareness campaigns to educate local communities about the risks, and developing more robust evacuation plans.

Efforts to mitigate GLOF risks had been in motion even before the 2023 disaster.

 

In 2013, scientists had identified South Lhonak Lake as particularly vulnerable, and in the years following, initiatives were launched to reduce its water volume. 

A project led by the renowned Ladakhi engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk successfully siphoned off nearly 50% of the lake's water.

However, the unpredictable nature of glacial movement and the impact of climate change make it difficult to fully eliminate the risk of future outbursts.

 

 

Community resilience 

Despite the hardships of the past year, the resilience of Sikkim’s people, particularly the Lepcha community, has been remarkable.

The determination to rebuild has been a driving force in the recovery process. Former Naga village chairman, Nim Tshering Lepcha, stressed the need for a long-term solution to the displacement crisis.

"Temporary shelters are not a sustainable solution. The government must prioritise permanent housing for those of us who lost everything," Lepcha said.

At the national level, the Indian government has provided financial assistance to the state of Sikkim as part of its broader flood relief efforts.

In the aftermath of the GLOF, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the release of ₹5,858.60 crore for 14 flood-affected states, including Sikkim.

This fund, combined with an additional ₹23 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), has supported recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

However, local leaders are calling for further investments in long-term infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at preventing future GLOFs.