Managing risks from glacial lake outburst floods: Key recommendations and solutions

This report highlights recommendations and solutions on managing glacial lake outburst floods. Glacial lakes can drain suddenly, causing dangerous Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Effective strategies - such as lowering water levels and early warning systems - can protect communities and infrastructure from GLOFs.

GLOF-related disasters, such as those that occurred in the Indian Himalayas in 2013 (Uttarakhand) and 2023 (Sikkim), have shown the devastating economic impacts on the tourism and energy sectors. Innovative and flexible solutions that allow for confident and secure investment in our global mountain regions are needed. At present, however, the development of appropriate risk transfer mechanisms in GLOF risk management is still an emerging field.