Following a sudden release of water from a lake in Bhutan, the administration in Alipurduar, West Bengal, has relocated approximately 10,000 people to safe areas due to the risk of flooding.
भूटान में झील फटने से तबाही, बंगाल-असम तक बाढ़ का खतरा, अलीपुरद्वार में 10 हजार लोगों को किया शिफ्ट
Headline…
- Fears of flooding have risen in Alipurduar, West Bengal, following a sudden discharge of water from a lake in Bhutan.
- In light of the potential threat, the administration has relocated approximately 10,000 people to safer areas.
- Schools and community buildings in Kumargram have been converted into relief camps, and teams from the SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and Civil Defence have been deployed.
The possibility that the devastation caused by the sudden water discharge from a lake in Bhutan could reach West Bengal, India, has heightened concerns among the administration. Anticipating the risk of flash floods, a large-scale relief and rescue operation was launched in the Alipurduar district. As a precautionary measure, the administration evacuated around 10,000 people from their homes and moved them to safer locations, with thousands being accommodated in schools and temporary relief camps.
In the Kumargram block of Alipurduar, the administration, police, and various relief agencies remained on high alert. Along with evacuating residents from affected areas, arrangements were made to provide food, drinking water, and other essential amenities. Special vigilance was maintained along the Sankosh River and its surrounding regions, and a ‘red alert’ was issued.
Relief centers established in schools and community buildings
According to Alipurduar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shah, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people were moved to relief camps, while over 6,000 others were relocated to other safe areas. School buildings, community centers, and structures associated with tea estates were repurposed as temporary relief hubs, where basic necessities—such as dry rations, drinking water, and sanitation facilities—were made available.
Arrangements for housing the displaced have been made at several locations across the Kumargram block. About 600 people are being sheltered at the Sankosh Nepali Line Community Hall, while approximately 800 individuals have taken refuge at the Uttar Haldibari Junior High School. Arrangements have been made to accommodate approximately 800 people at Kumargramdwar MS High School and about 650 people at Kumargram Girls’ School.
Additionally, around 850 people have been sheltered at Majherdabari High School, and about 900 people at the Kumargram Tea Garden factory. People have also been kept safe in other schools and community buildings.
SDRF Deployed; NDRF Team Also Dispatched
To deal with potential flooding, the administration has deployed an SDRF team to the site. An NDRF team has also been dispatched, while Civil Defence personnel have been engaged in relief and rescue operations. The administration stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to handle any emergency situation.
Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shah urged the public to remain alert rather than panic. He stated that the situation is under control, with the district administration, police, Block Development Officers, and other agencies working in coordination. They are also in constant contact with officials from Bhutan.
Amit Kumar Shah further noted that while the intensity of the water flow has decreased, vigilance remains necessary in areas surrounding the Sankosh River. He cautioned that, over the next few hours, the river might carry debris such as dead fish, large pieces of wood, and concrete rubble. Consequently, those living near the river were advised to exercise extra caution.
Impact of Flash Flood Subsides
However, according to subsequent reports, the impact of the flash flood in the Kumargram area has subsided, and everyone within the Indian territory is safe. This has brought a sense of relief to both the administration and the local residents. Currently, steps are being taken to facilitate the return of people from relief camps and to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
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