As reported by TOI, researchers discovered minimal rainfall within the area across the time of the incident, which forged doubt on the cloudburst concept. The Indian Meteorological Division (IMD) recorded solely 6.5mm of rain in Harsil and 11mm in Bhatwari over 24 hours, far beneath the standard ranges related to cloudburst-triggered floods.
Senior scientist at IMD's regional centre Rohit Thapliyal informed TOI, “Solely very gentle to gentle rain was noticed within the affected space over 24 hours. The best rainfall anyplace in Uttarkashi was merely 27mm.”
One other senior scientist added that such low rainfall quantities weren't sufficient to set off floods of this scale. “It suggests a extra highly effective occasion like a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or glacier burst,” the skilled defined.
Satellite tv for pc Photos Present Glacier and Lakes Above Dharali
TOI accessed satellite tv for pc photos that confirmed important glaciers and not less than two glacial lakes immediately above Dharali. One in all these lakes is situated simply above the Kheer Gad stream, which runs close to the village.
A scientist informed TOI, “If water was all of the sudden launched as a result of a glacier collapse or lake burst, it may simply end in a high-energy flash flood, much like what occurred through the Raini catastrophe in Chamoli again in February 2021.”Within the Raini incident, a rock-ice avalanche triggered huge floods, destroying the Rishiganga hydel undertaking and damaging the Tapovan-Vishnugad energy plant, with over 200 folks dropping their lives.
Uttarakhand's Glacial Lake Danger
In line with the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Uttarakhand has over 1,260 glacial lakes, a few of which pose main downstream threats. The Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Authority (NDMA) has flagged 13 of those as high-risk, with 5 marked as extraordinarily harmful.
Senior geologist and former govt director of the Uttarakhand Catastrophe Administration Authority, Piyoosh Rautela, informed TOI, “Disasters like this occur when water accumulates at larger altitudes and is all of the sudden launched. Heavy rain alone can not trigger such destruction.”
As rescue and aid operations proceed in Dharali, scientists are actually centered on analysing satellite tv for pc knowledge and area proof to substantiate the precise explanation for the catastrophe.
