Bhutan glacial lake burst triggers flood alert in Bengal, Assam; Alipurduar moves people to safety

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported from Shintaphu lake in Bhutan's Gasa district, in the north-west of the country. Flash flood warnings have since been issued for parts of West Bengal and Assam.

It is not yet clear how much water has flowed out of the lake or how much it could affect areas downstream. As a precaution, the administration has moved people to safe places in Alipurduar, West Bengal.

Alipurduar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shaw said: "First of all, I want to tell the people of the district that there is absolutely no need to panic. The situation is under control for now. We are in constant touch with the Bhutan authorities. Our police team, the DM and the BDOs with their respective teams, and all the agencies and stakeholders concerned are working in coordination. Our SDRF team is present and an NDRF team is also on its way. A civil defence team has also been deployed. We have moved about 4,000 to 5,000 people to shelters, for which school buildings have been turned into relief centres. In addition, more than 6,000 people have been sent to safe areas."

West Bengal minister Nisith Pramanik said the State Disaster Management team had been activated and the NDRF had also been informed.

He said: "The report of a glacial lake burst in Bhutan has just come in. The lake water is overflowing and flowing down into the Mo Chhu river, and from there towards the Sankosh river. People living along the Sankosh and its tributaries have been alerted. They are advised to move to a safe distance immediately for their own safety. The water is expected to reach the plains in the next five to six hours, which makes the risk of a major flood in the area very high."

Pramanik added: "To handle the situation, the State Disaster Management team has been activated and the NDRF has also been told. Disaster management volunteers have been instructed to remain on the spot. The government is taking steps in advance to ensure there is no loss of life or property, and is watching the situation closely."

Relief and rescue preparations in Alipurduar have been stepped up following the outflow of lake water in Bhutan. According to the SP, teams of the police, the district administration, the SDRF and civil defence are on the spot, and the NDRF team is arriving. The minister has asked people living along the Sankosh river to move to a safe place immediately.