Bhutan GLOF Trigger: Flood Alert Issued for Assam and West Bengal
CWC issues flood alert for Alipurduar and Dhubri after a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Bhutan. Authorities on high alert in Assam and West Bengal.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has sounded a high-alert flood advisory for West Bengal and Assam following a catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan. The sudden release of water is expected to surge downstream through the Sankosh River system, posing an immediate threat to the Alipurduar and Dhubri districts.
The Threat from the Heights: What Happened?
The alarm was first raised by the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, which reported the GLOF event. This phenomenon, also known as a jökulhlaup, occurs when a natural barrier holding back a glacial lake fails, leading to a sudden and violent release of water and debris. In this instance, the breach has caused flash floods in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu River, which is known as the Sankosh River once it enters India.
According to the CWC advisory dated October 29, the floodwaters were projected to reach the Indian border within 6 to 8 hours, directly impacting the riverbanks of Alipurduar in West Bengal and Dhubri in Assam.
Assam on High Alert: Government Response
In Assam, the situation is being monitored at the highest levels. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed that HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is closely tracking the developments. The Dhubri district administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been positioned on the ground to manage any downstream impact.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that while water levels in rivers across the state had not yet shown a significant increase, teams remain in a state of readiness. Although no mass evacuations have been initiated in Lower Assam so far, the SDRF is prepared to respond to any emergency immediately.
West Bengal: Mass Relocations and Red Alerts
The situation in West Bengal has seen more immediate movement. Authorities have activated the State Disaster Management Team and notified the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Residents in the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions have been urged to stay vigilant.
Key Actions in Alipurduar:
- Mass Evacuations: Alipurduar SP Amit Kumar Shaw revealed that between 4,000 and 5,000 people have already been moved to shelters, with an additional 6,000 relocated to safer areas.
- Resource Deployment: SDRF and Civil Defence teams are on the ground, and an NDRF team is currently en route to the affected region.
- Essential Supplies: Relief centres have been equipped with food, drinking water, and other necessary facilities.
- Current Status: While the intensity of the water flow has slightly decreased, a red alert remains in effect for the Sankosh river system.
BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, has specifically urged those living along the Sankosh River and its tributaries to move to safer ground following reports of the GLOF at Lemthang in Bhutan.
Understanding the Danger of GLOFs
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood is not a typical seasonal flood. It is a sudden release of water that can carry massive amounts of debris, making it far more destructive to infrastructure and settlements in its path. Because these floods travel rapidly downstream, the window for evacuation is often very narrow, which is why the CWC's timely advisory is critical for the safety of the border districts in India.
Authorities in both West Bengal and Assam continue to coordinate with Bhutanese officials to monitor water levels and ensure the safety of residents living along the volatile river systems.