GUWAHATI: A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) reported in Bhutan has raised concerns in India, prompting the Central Water Commission (CWC) to issue a special flood advisory for Assam and West Bengal over a possible sudden rise in water levels of the Sankosh River.
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In an advisory dated Thursday, October 29, the CWC's Flood Forecast Monitoring Directorate said a GLOF had been reported at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan's Punatsangchhu river basin by the Indian Embassy.
According to the advisory, flash floods in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu, known as the Sankosh River in India, could cause water levels to rise suddenly in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam.
The floodwater is expected to travel downstream and reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours, potentially affecting areas along the river in the two states.
The CWC has advised local authorities in Alipurduar and Dhubri to remain alert, closely monitor the situation and take necessary precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the GLOF has reportedly caused damage to infrastructure in Bhutan. There have been no reports of casualties in the country so far.
According to Daily Bhutan, floodwaters washed away a hot spring complex located beside the Mo Chhu River in Gasa district. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
A section of the Punakha-Gasa Secondary National Highway near the 31.85-kilometre point has also been washed away, prompting authorities to close the road to all traffic until further notice.
The outburst was reported on Thursday evening at Shintaphu Lake, also known as Shintaphu Tsho, located below Wakila Mountain in Bhutan's Gasa district. The lake lies in the upper reaches of the river system that drains into the Punatsangchhu basin.
Shintaphu Lake is among Bhutan's 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. An official from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) said a water-level monitoring station was located at Taktsimakhang. However, no alert had been triggered at the station at the time of the initial reports.
*What Is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood?*
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurs when water stored in a lake formed by melting glaciers is suddenly released. This can happen when the natural barriers holding the water, known as moraines, weaken or are breached.
The resulting surge can travel rapidly through mountain valleys, carrying mud, rocks and other debris. Such floods can cause extensive damage to settlements, roads, bridges and agricultural land.
Shintaphu Lake lies within Bhutan's Punatsangchhu river basin. The river is known as the Sankosh after entering India, making a sudden release of water a potential concern for downstream communities in Assam and West Bengal.
