Modeling the Impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Thame Village Using 2D Hydraulic Techniques

Authors- Adithya Sunil, Professor Geetha Priya M

Abstract-This study evaluates the threats posed by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) to Thame Village in the Nepal Himalayas, using HEC-RAS 2D hydraulic modeling. Three distinct GLOF scenarios were simulated, focusing on flood depth, velocity, and spatial extent to assess the impacts on the village’s livelihood and infrastructure. Maximum flood depths and velocities reached 15 meters and 15 m/s, respectively, with significant spatial variability. The findings reveal that Thame Village, heavily reliant on potato cultivation and trekking-based tourism, faces severe risks of inundation, threatening its limited income sources and local infrastructure. Hydraulic analyses of parameters such as cell volume, wetted perimeter, and conveyance underscore the influence of terrain on flood dynamics, highlighting critical areas of concern. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced hydrological modeling with socio-economic considerations to inform risk mitigation strategies. Recommendations include the construction of protective barriers, early warning systems, and community-based disaster preparedness to enhance resilience against future GLOF events.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.12.issue6.407