Flood Alert in Assams Dhubri District Following Glacial Lake Outburst in Bhutan

Dhubri, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : Residents of Dhubri district in Assam are experiencing heightened anxiety following reports of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in neighboring Bhutan. The incident has raised concerns about a potential surge in river levels, particularly affecting those living along the banks.

Local inhabitants expressed their fears during a press conference on Friday. Many gathered near the river to assess the situation. Communities in sensitive areas, such as Surendrapur and Khoksaguri, are worried that rising water levels at night could inundate their homes and fields, leaving them with little time to prepare.

This alarm was triggered by news of the Shintafu Lake bursting in Bhutan’s Gasa district on Thursday evening. The sudden release of water has led to flash flooding in the mountainous regions, with the flow moving downstream through the Mo Chu River towards the Sankosh River, which traverses parts of Assam and West Bengal.

In response, the Central Water Commission (CWC) issued a special advisory on Thursday, warning of a potential rise in water levels in Dhubri and Alipurduar districts. Officials estimate that floodwaters could reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours.

The Assam government has ramped up vigilance, especially in vulnerable areas of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state government is closely monitoring the possible impacts of this incident.

The Dhubri district administration is on-site and prepared to handle any emergencies. As of Friday morning at 6:30 AM, the water level in the Sankosh River remained stable, according to a spokesperson for the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow local administration guidelines as they continue to monitor the situation closely.