April 26: According to a survey conducted by the Department Geology and Mines, the threats posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) to human lives, properties and infrastructures are serious.

The findings of the survey were presented at a meeting yesterday. The survey conducted by the Department of Geology and Mines showed that if Raphstreng and Thorthomi glacial lakes in Lunana burst open, it could cause severe damages downstream.

The Director of Geology and Mines, Dorji Wangda, said the survey found that Thorthormi and Raphstreng lakes pose a serious and immediate threat of glacial lakes outburst floods to communities along the Punatsangchu.

Geology and Mines officials said setting up of better early warning system in Punakha and Wangdue valleys to alert people in case of a glacial lake outburst flood is one of the solutions.

Officials also presented papers on GLOF and adaptation to the impact of climate change at the meeting.