A glacial lake outburst in the mountainous country of Bhutan has triggered the threat of sudden floods. There is growing apprehension that water rushing down with tremendous speed through the Mo Chhu river will cause an unprecedented rise in the water level of the Sankosh river. In view of this deluge, the administration has issued a high alert in several border districts of West Bengal as well as in Dhubri district of Assam.
According to a special directive issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, this outburst occurred at the Shintaphu Lake in the Punatsangchhu river basin of Bhutan. The massive flood that came at night washed away extensive infrastructure of Gasa Tshachu, the natural hot spring in Gasa district of Bhutan. According to government broadcaster Bhutan Broadcasting Service, although the full extent of damage is not yet clear due to darkness and strong water current, it is suspected that the Laya connecting road and two Bailey bridges have been washed away.
The Alipurduar district administration in North Bengal has already declared a red alert in the Sankosh river valley. According to Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shaw, keeping in view the potential danger, 4,000 to 5,000 people have been shifted to relief camps and more than 6,000 others to safer places. For rescue and relief operations, the administration has directly deployed the State Disaster Response Force and the National Disaster Response Force and has ensured supply of dry food and safe drinking water.
Meanwhile, the Assam government is keeping a close watch on the downstream situation. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, although the water level of the Sankosh river is currently under control, all departments have been kept ready to deal with a possible flood. The Chief Minister’s Office informed through social media that the Dhubri district administration and emergency teams are monitoring the situation 24 hours a day and are fully prepared to counter any sudden crisis.
