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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Hazard and Risk Management Strategies: A Global Overview

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  • Rayees Ahmed

    (University of Kashmir)

Abstract

GLOFs, driven by climate change-induced glacier melt, present a serious threat to downstream communities in mountainous regions. The present study addresses this pressing issue by employing a systematic methodology to analyze scientific literature on GLOF risk management and hazard mitigation. The research synthesizes key insights through thematic analysis, focusing on GLOF hazard mitigation, hazard and risk mapping, and the development of a methodological framework for managing GLOF hazards and risks. It evaluates structural measures such as spillways and diversion canals, and non-structural measures, including strategic land-use planning and community-based strategies. The study highlights the importance of Early Warning Systems (EWS), GLOF risk management skills, and knowledge transfer, emphasizing integration with climate change adaptation. It also discusses facilitating factors like policy legislation, institutional support, and addressing knowledge disparities. While the physical aspects of GLOFs have been widely explored, research on their social impacts is relatively limited, leaving a crucial gap in understanding the full extent of these disasters. The findings of the study offer a comprehensive resource for policymakers, planners, and disaster management professionals, providing a holistic approach to mitigating GLOF risks and enhancing resilience in vulnerable regions. This research is poised to significantly contribute to effective GLOF hazard mitigation and climate change adaptation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Rayees Ahmed, 2025. "Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Hazard and Risk Management Strategies: A Global Overview," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 39(1), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:39:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11269-024-03958-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-024-03958-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Danyang Gao & Albert S. Chen & Fayyaz Ali Memon, 2024. "A Systematic Review of Methods for Investigating Climate Change Impacts on Water-Energy-Food Nexus," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(1), pages 1-43, January.
    2. Xiang Wang & Guo Chen & Xiaoai Dai & Jingjing Zhao & Xian Liu & Yu Gao & Junmin Zhang & Yongjun Chen & Xiaozhen Li & Wenyi Qin & Peng Wang, 2022. "Improved Process Management of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Hazards by Integrating Modular Monitoring, Assessment, and Simulation," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 36(7), pages 2343-2358, May.
    3. Mark Carey & Christian Huggel & Jeffrey Bury & César Portocarrero & Wilfried Haeberli, 2012. "An integrated socio-environmental framework for glacier hazard management and climate change adaptation: lessons from Lake 513, Cordillera Blanca, Peru," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 112(3), pages 733-767, June.
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