Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan, raising concerns over a sudden surge of water flowing downstream into India. The Government of India has issued a special advisory for parts of West Bengal and Assam, warning that water levels could rise sharply along the Sankosh River.
The outburst was reported on Thursday evening at Shintaphu Lake, located below Wakila Mountain in Lungo, Laya Gewog, in Bhutan’s Gasa district. Sirens were sounded to alert people living near riverbanks, while residents in the affected area were reportedly moved to safer ground.
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Shintaphu Lake is among Bhutan’s 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. An official from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) said a water-level monitoring station was located at Taktsimakhang, but no alert had been triggered there at the time of the initial reports. The extent of the outburst and its downstream impact remained unclear.
WHAT IS A GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD?
A GLOF occurs when water stored in a lake formed by melting glaciers is suddenly released, often after a natural barrier fails or is breached. The resulting surge can travel rapidly through mountain valleys, carrying debris and damaging settlements, roads, bridges and farmland.
Shintaphu Lake lies within Bhutan’s Punatsangchhu river basin. The river is known as the Sankosh after it enters India, making a sudden release of water a potential concern for downstream communities.
INDIA ISSUES SPECIAL FLOOD ADVISORY
In response to the situation, India said the reported flash flood in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu could cause a sudden rise in water levels in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district and Assam’s Dhubri district.
According to the advisory, floodwater was expected to reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours. Authorities in both districts have been urged to closely monitor the situation and take necessary precautionary measures.
WEST BENGAL MINISTER URGES EVACUATION
West Bengal Forest Minister and Kumargram MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon urged residents living along the Sankosh River in Alipurduar district to move to safer locations.
In a video message posted on Facebook, Oraon warned that a surge of water could reach the river in Kumargram within the next one to one-and-a-half hours. He appealed to residents to evacuate as a precaution and cooperate with the administration.
The Sankosh flows from Bhutan into India and supports communities across parts of northern West Bengal and adjoining Assam. A sudden rise in its water level could threaten riverside settlements, livestock, farmland and infrastructure.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as they assess the movement of floodwater and the potential risk to downstream communities.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
