New Delhi: A new study by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has found that glacial lakes in the Himalayas are expanding rapidly, posing a potential threat to communities downstream.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Tuesday, using satellite imagery, researchers identified 676 glacial lakes that have significantly expanded since 1984, with 130 of these located in India.

The study highlights the impact of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers, which are melting at an alarming rate. As glaciers melt, they form new lakes and enlarge existing ones. These lakes can be dangerous, as they can burst their banks and cause devastating floods known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

The study also found that most of the expanding lakes are located in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra River basins, which are home to millions of people. This raises concerns about the potential impact of GLOFs on these communities.

The researchers say that satellite technology is essential for monitoring glacial lakes and assessing the risks they pose. They are calling for further research to better understand the dynamics of glacial lakes and to develop strategies for GLOF risk management.