Flood Alert in West Bengal Following Glacial Lake Burst in Bhutan
West Bengal prepares for potential flooding after a glacial lake in Bhutan bursts, impacting northern regions and raising safety concerns.
Kolkata, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : The West Bengal government has initiated precautionary measures in response to flooding caused by the sudden burst of the Shintafu Lake in Bhutan. This incident, which occurred on October 30, has raised concerns about potential flooding in northern Bengal.
The Shintafu Lake, located in Bhutan’s Gasa district, experienced a significant outflow of water, leading to rising water levels in local rivers such as the Torsa, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Raidak, which flow from Bhutan into northern Bengal. Residents living near the Sankosh River are particularly anxious after the lake released a large volume of water unexpectedly.
Although a warning was issued Thursday night, the river levels did not show a significant increase until Friday afternoon, when they began to rise rapidly, heightening fears of flooding.
The burst of the glacial lake has already caused damage to infrastructure near the Gasa Shachu hot springs and has raised the water level of the Mo Chhu River. Initial assessments indicate that an irrigation project in Punakha has suffered partial damage, and a section of the Punakha-Gasa road has been washed away, disrupting traffic.
State Minister Nishith Pramanik commented on the situation, stating, “We have just received reports about the glacial lake burst in Bhutan. The water from the lake is surging and flowing towards the Sankosh River. Residents along the Sankosh and its tributaries have been alerted and advised to move to safe locations.”
He further warned, “Floodwaters are expected to reach low-lying areas within the next five to six hours, posing a serious risk of severe flooding. The state disaster management team is active, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been notified. Volunteers are on-site to assist, and the government is taking proactive measures to prevent loss of life and property while closely monitoring the situation.”
Shintafu Lake is one of 17 lakes in Bhutan deemed hazardous due to glacial activity. A similar incident occurred on August 26, 2021, when the lake’s water level surged, causing the Mo Chhu River to overflow and change its course.
The Sankosh River, known as Puna Tsang Chhu in Bhutan, originates in northern Bhutan and merges with the Brahmaputra River after passing through Assam and West Bengal. The increased water level of the Mo Chhu River could significantly impact the Sankosh River in lower areas.
Following the flood warning, residents living along the Sankosh River in northern Bengal have been evacuated to relief camps. Many spent the night on national highways out of fear, but some began to return home on Friday morning after observing calmer water levels. However, as the river’s water became muddier, several individuals changed their minds and opted to return to relief camps for safety.
