TAWANG, SEP 20:
The Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), has launched an awareness and training programme on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risks for communities living downstream of high-risk glacial lakes in the Mago area under Thingbu Circle.
The campaign commenced at Mago village, covering vulnerable downstream habitations, including Duri, as well as the Indian Army camp in the area. Residents were briefed on the location, altitude and distance of identified high-risk glacial lakes from their settlements and the potential threats posed by a sudden glacial lake outburst.
Senior Consultant Dr Bhupen Mili explained the causes and mechanism of GLOFs, their possible impact on downstream settlements and the estimated time floodwaters could take to reach Duri village, the Army camp and other vulnerable locations following an outburst.
Participants were sensitised on identifying safe evacuation routes and designated safe locations, following systematic evacuation procedures and preparing community-level evacuation plans to minimise risks to lives and property.
Deputy Director, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Dorjee Khandu, informed the gathering that seven high-risk glacial lakes have been identified in the Mago area, of which six share a common downstream drainage system passing through several villages, including Duri.
Khandu stressed the need for locally suitable and effective early-warning mechanisms to ensure that alerts reach residents in time. He also emphasised prompt dissemination of warnings to downstream settlements in the event of a GLOF, particularly as Duri would be among the first settlements likely to be affected by floodwaters.
Referring to recent devastating flood incidents in the Himalayan region, Khandu urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain prepared and, wherever necessary, gradually shift towards safer locations. He said that while disasters of such magnitude cannot always be prevented, preparedness, effective early warning and timely evacuation can significantly reduce risks to lives and property.
Tawang District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Gendan Tsomu urged villagers to participate sincerely in the training and make full use of the life-saving techniques imparted by the resource persons. She also appealed to participants to share the knowledge and skills gained with their families and the wider community to ensure that preparedness reaches every household.
The SDRF team, led by Sangey Thinley, subsequently conducted hands-on training in first aid, basic search and rescue techniques and the use of rescue equipment. Demonstrations were followed by mock drills, giving participants practical experience in responding to emergency situations.
The programme has so far covered residents of Mago, Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel stationed at Mago, people from the Thingbu Hydel area, and residents of New Maling and Tongsheng villages.
The awareness and capacity-building drive will be extended to other vulnerable downstream settlements, including Phonda, Chaksam, Grenkhar and Dungshengmang, with the objective of strengthening community preparedness and coordinated response to potential GLOF emergencies.
The initiative highlights the importance of community awareness, early warning, preparedness and coordinated response in safeguarding lives and property in Tawang’s vulnerable high-altitude areas. (DIPR)
