Kolkata: Following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Shintafu Lake in Bhutan, the West Bengal government has issued an alert regarding potential flooding in North Bengal. The sudden release of a large amount of water from the lake has increased the risk of flooding in the region.
The Torsa, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Raidak rivers enter North Bengal from Bhutan. The release of water from the lake has caused particular concern among people living along the Sankosh River.
The alert was issued on Thursday night, but no significant increase in the river’s water level was observed until Friday morning. However, on Friday afternoon, water levels began rising rapidly at several locations, raising concerns further.
A large amount of water suddenly released from Shintafu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district on Thursday evening. The outpouring of water from this lake, formed due to the accumulation of meltwater from the glacier, damaged infrastructure near the Gasa Shachu hot spring and caused the Mo Chhu River to rise.
The full extent of the damage in Bhutan is yet to be assessed. According to initial reports, an irrigation project in Punakha has been partially damaged. Furthermore, floodwaters washed away a portion of the Punakha-Gasa road, disrupting traffic.
Administration issues alert, NDRF notified
Regarding the potential impact of this incident on North Bengal, Minister of State Nisith Pramanik stated that a glacial lake outburst has been reported in Bhutan. The lake’s water is flowing through the Mo Chhu River towards the Sankosh River. People living along the Sankosh and its tributaries have been alerted and advised to immediately evacuate for safety.
The minister stated that the floodwaters could reach the plains within the next 5 to 6 hours, posing a risk of widespread flooding. The State Disaster Management Team has been activated to address the situation, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been informed. Disaster management volunteers have been instructed to be present on the spot. The government is continuously monitoring the situation to prevent loss of life and property.
Shintafu Lake Has Burst Before
Shintaphu is one of 17 lakes in Bhutan that are considered dangerous due to glaciers. Previously, on August 26, 2021, the lake’s water level suddenly rose. At that time, the rising water level in the Mo Chhu River caused the river to spill out and change its course. A hot spring was also washed away in that incident.
The Sankosh River in Bhutan is known as Punatsang Chhu. This river originates in northern Bhutan, flows through Assam and West Bengal, and joins the Brahmaputra River. The Mo Chhu is one of its two largest tributaries. In such a situation, the rising water level of the Mo Chhu River after the lake burst could also affect the water level of the Sankosh River downstream.
People evacuated from villages along the Sankosh River
Following a flood warning in the districts of North Bengal bordering Bhutan, residents living along the Sankosh River were evacuated to relief camps. Many spent the night on the national highway out of fear.
However, after the river waters appeared calm on Friday morning, some residents of Kumargram block in Alipurduar district wanted to return home, and some even started going back. However, the Sankosh River waters gradually became more turbid, prompting many to change their minds and return to the relief camps.