Assam: A major natural disaster occurred in Bhutan on Thursday night. Due to Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Punakha area, the flow of water suddenly increased. At around 8:15 pm, the water released from the lake reached Taktsimakhang area through Sankosh river. After this incident, the risk of floods has also increased in India’s border states of West Bengal and Assam. As a precautionary measure, the administration has been alerted in Alipurduar of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam.
Seeing the situation, the administration started evacuating people from the villages situated on the banks of Sankosh river to safe places. In Alipurduar district, about 15 thousand people have been evacuated from their homes and sent to safe places. Relief and rescue agencies are continuously monitoring the situation.
Where did the floodwater reach due to the bursting of the glacier lake in Bhutan?
After the glacier lake burst in Punakha, Bhutan on Thursday night, the flow of water moved towards the Sankosh river. By around 8.15 pm the water had reached Taktsimakhang area. After this incident, concern has increased among the people living around the river. Due to darkness, the administration has not been able to accurately assess the total quantity of flood water and its possible impact.
How many people were made safe in Bengal and Assam?
The impact of this incident in Bhutan is also visible in the Indian border areas. About 15 thousand people of Bhalka 1 and 2, Chengmari and Land Gram Panchayats located on the banks of Sankosh river in Alipurduar district of West Bengal have been sent to safe places. Apart from this, the administration has also been instructed to remain alert in Dhubri district of Assam.
Why were the army soldiers ordered to go to a safe place?
In view of the possible threat of flood, army personnel deployed at Taktsimhakhang Project Office and Gasa Chhachu have also been instructed to move to safe places. The administration is making preparations to deal with any emergency. At present, no casualties have been reported in this incident.
What appeal did the administration make to the people living on the river banks?
The Alipurduar administration has appealed to the people living around the river and in the low-lying areas to exercise special caution. People have been asked to immediately inform the local administration if the water level in the river is seen rising. All gram panchayats and concerned officials have been instructed to continuously monitor the situation.
What did MP Manoj Tigga say to the people?
Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga said that the administration is in full alert mode. He has appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours and rely only on official information. Besides, the administration has been asked to immediately inform in case the water level in the river rises. At present, all the concerned departments are keeping an eye on the situation.
