Guwahati, Oct 30 The Assam government is closely monitoring the situation following a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in neighbouring Bhutan, with vulnerable areas in Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts put on alert over possible downstream effects, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.
He urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, follow official updates and cooperate with local authorities.
The Sankosh river, which flows through parts of western Assam, could be affected by the flood, prompting authorities to step up vigilance and prepare for a possible rise in water levels, officials said, adding that the water levels remained steady.
“We are closely monitoring the possible impact of the glacial lake outburst in Bhutan across all vulnerable revenue circles of Dhubri and Kokrajhar,” Sarma said in a social media post.
“Our teams are also in constant contact with the NDRF and other agencies, and are ready to respond if needed. Residents are requested to stay alert, follow official updates and cooperate with local officials,” he added.
An Assam State Disaster Management Authority spokesperson said the water level of the Sankosh river was steady as of 6.30 am. The district administration and response forces were on alert to tackle any eventuality, she said.
Another social media post by the CMO in the evening said water levels in Dhubri and Kokrajhar remained steady following the GLOF.
“The district administrations are on high alert, with SDRF, NDRF, DDRF and Fire & Emergency Services teams kept ready for deployment. Officials are in constant touch with riverside communities, while ‘Aapda Mitra’ volunteers remain mobilised,” it said.
A special advisory issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on Thursday for Assam and West Bengal said the Indian Embassy had reported a GLOF in Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Punatsangchhu river basin.
Following reports of flash floods in the river’s upper reaches, water levels in the Sankosh river in India could rise suddenly in Assam’s Dhubri and West Bengal’s Alipurduar districts, the advisory said.
Local authorities in the two districts have been advised to remain alert, closely monitor the situation and take necessary precautionary measures, it added.
(PTI News)
