| The Ministry of Home Affairs’ advisory asking States and Union Territories in the Himalayan region to remain alert to the threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and snow avalanches is a timely reminder that disaster preparedness must remain at the centre of Himalayan governance. The mountains are ecologically fragile, and the consequences of a sudden natural disaster can be devastating when settlements, roads and infrastructure lie in vulnerable valleys and slopes. A GLOF occurs when water stored behind a glacial lake is suddenly released, sending a powerful surge downstream. Such floods can travel rapidly and destroy bridges, roads, homes, hydropower installations and other infrast |