A glacial lake outburst flood originating in northwestern Bhutan has prompted emergency alerts across the border in the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Bhutanese officials notified Indian authorities of the rising water levels, which are expected to flow through the Sankosh River into the Brahmaputra system. Local administrations in districts such as Dhubri, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are currently monitoring the situation closely. While no casualties have been reported due to timely evacuations, disaster management teams remain on high alert. Officials have urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that emergency agencies are prepared to handle potential flooding. These events occur when natural dams holding meltwater from retreating glaciers fail, often due to climate change, leading to sudden and significant downstream water surges that threaten infrastructure and local communities.
Source : Livemint
Photo : Livemint
