A major glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan's high-altitude Himalayan region has prompted high alerts in low-lying districts of Assam and West Bengal, with authorities monitoring rivers carrying large volumes of water and debris downstream.
\n\nThe outburst was reported from the Sintaphu Lake in the Mochu sub-basin of Gasa region. Disaster management teams have been deployed along vulnerable riverbanks, while district administrations have urged people living near rivers to stay away from riverbeds and prepare for possible evacuations.
\n\nThe sudden rise in water levels poses a potential threat to infrastructure, agricultural land and settlements along rivers flowing from Bhutan into India.
\n\nThe outburst occurred in the upper reaches of Bhutan's glacial region, where rising temperatures and instability in ice-dammed moraine lakes reportedly led to a breach. The resulting surge entered river systems that flow into Assam's Brahmaputra valley and the northern Duars region of West Bengal.
\n\nState disaster response forces and local administrations have established round-the-clock control rooms to monitor river discharge. Flood warnings have been issued in the Assam districts of Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang and Dhubri, as well as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar in West Bengal.
\n\nAuthorities are watching for rapid rises in river levels that could trigger flash…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world
