On 7 Feb 2021, a catastrophic mass flow descended the Ronti Gad, Rishiganga, and Dhauliganga valleys in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India, causing widespread devastation and severely damaging two hydropower projects. Over 200 people were killed or are missing. Our analysis of satellite imagery, seismic records, numerical model results, and eyewitness videos reveals that ~27x106 m3 of rock and glacier ice collapsed from the steep north face of Ronti Peak. The rock and ice avalanche rapidly transformed into an extraordinarily large and mobile debris flow that transported boulders >20 m in diameter, and scoured the valley walls up to 220 m above the valley floor. The intersection of the hazard cascade with downvalley infrastructure resulted in a disaster, which highlights key questions about adequate monitoring and sustainable development in the Himalaya as well as other remote, high-mountain environments.
Mass movements still occurring in Uttarakhand: Scientists
By
VISHAL GULATI ( IANS) |
Published on
Thu, Mar 4 2021 11:12 IST |
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Mass movements still occurring in Uttarakhand: Scientists. Image Source: IANS News
New Delhi, March 4 : High resolution satellite imagery indicates that mass movement activities are still occurring where the rock and ice collapsed that led to a disaster in Uttarakhand last month, as per latest observations of national and international scientists.
In case of another slope failure and avalanche, this can be critical for people and infrastructure downstream, close to the riverbed.
On the another disaster in the making, scientists working under the Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountains (Gaphaz) a standing group of the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences and the International Permafrost Association believe large volumes of material have been eroded and deposited along the river channel.