Dhubri (Assam), 30 October (HS): A glacial lake outburst in Bhutan has triggered a flood alert in Assam’s Dhubri district and several areas of West Bengal, prompting disaster response agencies to remain on high alert. The incident occurred at Shintaphu Lake in the Laya region of Bhutan’s Gasa district on Thursday evening, when a sudden discharge of water from the lake caused a massive flow into the Punatsangchhu river.

The incident is expected to cause a sudden rise in the water level of the Sankosh river, which flows into India from Bhutan. In view of the potential flood threat, the First Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), based in Guwahati, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies, has been directed to remain prepared for immediate response.

The Government of India has issued a special warning for vulnerable areas in Assam’s Dhubri district and West Bengal’s Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. Meanwhile, NDRF and SDRF rescue teams have been deployed in Tufanganj and Baksirhat areas of West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district.

The rising water flow from Bhutan has already increased the water level of the Sankosh river, raising concerns over its impact on riverbank areas of Dhubri district. Residents living along the river have been advised to remain alert, move children and livestock to safer locations and strictly follow instructions issued by the local administration.

The First Battalion NDRF in Guwahati said on Friday that the Centre had issued a special alert for Assam and West Bengal following the incident. NDRF personnel have been instructed to remain ready for swift deployment in case of an emergency. The Dhubri district administration has also directed the NDRF, police and other concerned agencies to remain prepared to deal with any eventuality.

According to NDRF sources, information received from the Indian Embassy in Bhutan confirmed a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu river. The river is known as the Sankosh in India.

The sudden surge in water from the upper reaches of the river could lead to a rapid rise in water levels in Alipurduar district of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam. The floodwater is expected to move downstream and reach the international border within six to eight hours, potentially affecting vulnerable areas in both states.

Local administrations in the two states have been advised to remain vigilant, closely monitor the river situation and take necessary precautionary measures to minimise the risk to people and property.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash