Assam Districts Watch Sankosh River After Bhutan Lake Outburst
Fear has spread among residents of Assam's Dhubri district after reports of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan. Communities living close to the river are concerned that water levels could climb quickly in the coming hours.
Local people, speaking to reporters on Friday, voiced serious worry about the risk to their families and property. Some gathered at the riverbank to see the water situation firsthand.
Residents of Surendrapur and Khoksaguri, both located in sensitive riverside zones, say they fear a nighttime surge could submerge their houses and farmland. They point out that any sudden rise would leave them with little time to respond.
The concern came after the Shingtaphu lake in Gasa district, Bhutan, burst on Thursday evening. The outburst caused sudden flooding in the hills. The water is moving through the Mo Chhu river and then toward the Sankosh river, which runs through parts of Assam and West Bengal.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) issued a special advisory on Thursday, cautioning that water levels could rise abruptly in Dhubri district in Assam and Alipurduar district in West Bengal. Floodwater was expected to reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours.
The Assam government has raised its state of vigilance, particularly in sensitive stretches of Dhubri and Kokrajhar. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government is watching closely for any possible effects of the Bhutan event in these areas.
The Chief Minister's Office said that the Dhubri district administration is stationed on the ground and ready to handle any situation that may arise.
An official spokesperson of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said the Sankosh river level had remained stable as of 6:30 am on Friday. District administrations and disaster relief teams have been kept on alert.
Authorities have appealed to people to stay alert and follow instructions from local administration as they continue to track developments.