avalanche vulnerability

A recent ICIMOD report reveals Hindu Kush Himalaya glaciers have shrunk 12% since 1990, with ice loss accelerating sharply in the last decade. This rapid decline, particularly in eastern and central HKH, heightens risks of glacial hazards and threatens water availability for nearly two billion people.

Avalanche advisories are in effect for five Uttarakhand districts following fresh snowfall in higher regions. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag face Danger Level-2, while Pithoragarh and Bageshwar are at Level-1. Residents in snow-bound areas are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates.

An avalanche warning was issued on Friday for vulnerable high-altitude places in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts

An avalanche warning was issued on Friday for vulnerable high altitude places in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts. The Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), which is a part of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), issued the warning is valid for next 48 hours from Friday onwards.

A significant avalanche struck Warwan valley in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, with no reported casualties or damage. This follows a similar incident in Sonamarg, where a powerful snow dust cloud, not a full avalanche, engulfed the area. Experts explain these events are often triggered by snowfall and temperature fluctuations, with the new Z-Morh Tunnel improving Sonamarg's all-weather connectivity.

Eight workers died in an avalanche that struck a BRO camp in Mana, Uttarakhand, despite prior warnings from the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE). Activists blame administrative negligence and reckless construction in avalanche-prone areas. Authorities failed to act on alerts, leading to the tragedy. Experts warn that such disasters will continue unless safety measures are enforced. The incident highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and stricter regulations in vulnerable regions.

On March 2, 2025, a devastating avalanche at the Border Roads Organisation camp in Uttarakhand killed at least eight people and left many injured. Despite challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain, 46 workers were rescued. Avalanches present a consistent threat in the region due to its sloping topography, heavy snowfall, and construction activities.

Increased vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to climate change has posed the threat of Uttarakhand like disaster.

Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and avalanches, revealed a study by IIT Ropar researchers. The team used GIS-based mapping to identify high-risk areas, facilitating better disaster risk reduction strategies. Similar assessments are being conducted in other Himalayan regions.

Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and avalanches, reveals a recent IIT Ropar study. Presented at the 2nd Indian Cryosphere Meet, the research identifies regions at high risk, aiding targeted disaster risk reduction. Hazard-prone areas include mid to high altitude slopes, with steep mountain regions at the highest risk.

Heavy Snowfall Predicted On Sunday, Monday

Two construction workers from the town of Kishtwar in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir died in an avalanche on Thursday while working on a tunnel project in the Ranga Morh National Park. The avalanche came from the upper reaches of the Ranga Morh, a mountain range in central Kashmir, and accumulated at Sarbal, close to the Nilgrath area where Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is executing work on the Zojila tunnel. The police spokesperson said that when the snow settled, the local management of MEIL reported that two of their labourers had gone missing. Police, army, and SDRF teams reached the scene and started a search. After strenuous efforts, the bodies of Sandeep Kumar and Bala Krishna were retrieved from under the snow. Manoj Sinha, the district police helpline officer, expressed anguish over the deaths and said that the weather continued to snow at Ranga Morh and the management of MEIL had been asked to shift its workers to a safe location until the weather cleared.

Vehicular movement on the Manali-Keylong highway has been severely affected due to a blockade caused by an avalanche and a landslide near Rohtang Pass.

An avalanche in Nepal's Mugu district has left 3 people missing and 12 injured, while searching for yarchagumba, a caterpillar fungus that can fetch high prices in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its alleged health benefits. Boiling yarchagumba in water to make tea or adding to soups and stews is believed to treat ailments ranging from fatigue to cancer. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed it as "vulnerable" to extinction in 2020 due to over-harvesting.

As Lhonak grew between 1990 and 2019 into a giant reservoir holding 65 million cubic feet of water, a 2021 study warned it was just a matter of time before a glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF, caused massive devastation downstream. As one of Sikkim’s largest and fastest-growing glacial lakes, South Lhonak was always a potential risk for ‘GLOF’, a sudden release of water from a lake formed by glacial melt. “This was a known vulnerability,” said the study’s lead author.

Team used computer model to recreate deluge for report in 'Science'; confirms avalanche, not glacial lake outburst, caused disaster

A study in 2021 had identified Sikkim's South Lhonak Lake as potentially dangerous with a high outburst probability and had not only warned of the risks facing settlements lying downstream, but had also put the spotlight on the need for risk mitigation measures

Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir experienced snow slides and avalanches following three days of heavy snowfall, with no reported casualties or property damage. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution in avalanche-prone areas, as further precipitation and weather disruptions are expected.

Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday issued a red alert after Delhi Met office informed it that a snowstorm may hit the Valley between January 16 and 18.