NRSC Hyderabad Detects Two New Water Bodies After Nepal Avalanche

HYDERABAD — Satellite imagery analysed by scientists at the Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has revealed the emergence of two new water bodies in Nepal's Langtang Lirung mountain range following a recent avalanche.

The findings were established after the Hyderabad centre analysed high-resolution data captured by the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Cartosat-3 satellite during its morning pass on August 28. Experts compared the data against pre-event PlanetScope satellite imagery taken on August 25, just a day before the massive avalanche struck the Himalayan terrain in Nepal's Rasuwa district.

According to the satellite assessment conducted by NRSC, the avalanche triggered a massive displacement of ice, rock, and debris. This substantial movement disrupted natural drainage patterns across the rugged mountain landscape, causing water to accumulate and settle at two distinct locations within the affected valley.

The assessment revealed that one water body formed near the glacier and ice-rock avalanche zone itself, while the second impoundment emerged downstream near a river confluence.

Measurements calculated by the remote sensing agency show that the larger of the two newly created water bodies covers an estimated surface area of 19 hectares. Satellite analysis indicates that this reservoir measures approximately 623 metres in length and roughly 450 metres at its widest point.

The second water accumulation is more elongated, spanning an area of around 11 hectares. It extends nearly 944.6 metres along the mountain valley and measures about 236 metres across at its widest section.

Together, the two impoundments cover nearly 30 hectares across the affected Himalayan landscape. Following the detection of the newly formed reservoirs and the altered drainage system in Rasuwa district, the Hyderabad-based remote sensing agency has called for a close watch on the area.