Abstract ID: 3.8875 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Growing disasters in high-altitude regions call for upgraded methods of assessing risks because both situations are becoming more common. In order to safeguard themselves from glacial flooding, hazardous weather conditions, and landslides, mountain communities require sustainable mitigation plans, early warning systems, and sophisticated monitoring apparatus. By utilizing scientific research and technology-based solutions, it is possible to enhance the resilience of local communities and infrastructure, safeguard lives, and protect fragile ecosystems. The Chamoli flash flood of February 7, 2021, in Uttarakhand, India was an extraordinary occurrence that was triggered by cascading hazards. It was the result of a significant rock-ice avalanche on the north face of Raunthi Peak, which dispersed a significant amount of ice and debris. In this research an attempt has been done to model the event starting from its origin at the reservoir while advancing through 40.8 kilometers of downstream watercourse. A breach of 26.4 million cubic meter storage at the source received modeling through HEC-RAS to produce peak inflows of about 12,762 cubic meters per second. The simulation model addressed the flow as unsteady while performing calculations five seconds apart and displaying results at two-minute intervals during six hours of simulation time. The peak discharges at Rishiganga Hydroelectric Project and Tapovan reached between 7,909 and 7,975 cubic meters per second and 5,780 and 5,958 cubic meters per second respectively. While velocities were at 7 and 4 meters per second, respectively, flow depths fell around 20 and 18 meters. High-resolution satellite imagery from before and after the incident verified precisely matching observed debris extents. Especially, the consistency between modeled and observed debris heights confirmed the dependability of the method, therefore illustrating the prospects of hydrodynamic models in hilly terrain. The alignment between modeled and observed debris heights validated the reliability of the method, hence demonstrating the potential of hydrodynamic models in mountainous regions. This event reminds us quite strongly of how urgently we need advanced risk assessment techniques in mountainous areas vulnerable to cascading events and the intensifying hazards influenced by climate change.