TAWANG, 23 Sep: A five-day awareness and sensitization programme on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risks, aimed at strengthening preparedness among downstream communities living near the high-risk glacial lakes in the Mago and Sela regions of Tawang district, concluded at the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Out Post, Donghseng Mang in Lungla on Tuesday.
The programme focused on sensitizing participants about GLOF risks, locally available early warning mechanisms, evacuation procedures, identification of safe locations and community-level preparedness.
Special emphasis was laid on timely action, effective communication and close coordination among communities, security forces and disaster management authorities during emergencies.
The programme also underscored the crucial role of community participation in disaster risk reduction, particularly in remote settlements situated downstream of high-risk glacial lakes. Participants were encouraged to remain alert to official warnings and strictly follow advisories and instructions issued by the district administration and disaster management authorities.
The concluding programme was attended by SSB personnel and members of the local community.
Addressing the participants, district disaster management officer (DDMO) Genden Tsomu stressed the need for GLOF risk awareness and preparedness among communities living in vulnerable downstream areas. She urged the participants to remain vigilant and ensure robust evacuation plans along with locally available early warning mechanisms.
Considering the low-lying location of the SSB camp at Donghseng Mang, she stressed the need for timely dissemination of warnings and called upon the participants to promptly alert neighbouring communities in the event of any indication of a flash flood or other emerging threat.
Senior consultant Dr. Bhupen Mili explained the causes and potential impacts of GLOFs and briefed the participants on the possible time floodwaters could take to reach the Donghseng Mang SSB Camp in the event of an outburst.
He also sensitized them on safe evacuation routes, identified safe locations, timely evacuation and the importance of coordinated community preparedness in protecting lives and property.
As part of the five-day campaign, similar awareness programmes were also conducted at Chaksam, Phongda, Grangkhar and Khet Bridge, covering vulnerable downstream communities.
At Chaksam, Kyidphel ZPM Tenzin Monpa and assistant commissioner Sange Norbu joined the awareness programme and interacted with the local community.
Grangkhar was identified as highly vulnerable, and residents were advised to identify suitable safe locations and evacuation routes that could be used during a GLOF or flash flood emergency.
Throughout the programme, personnel of the State Disaster Response Force imparted hands-on training in life-saving skills, search and rescue techniques and emergency response procedures.
The practical sessions were aimed at enhancing the preparedness and response capacity of local communities and other stakeholders during exigencies. (DIPRO)
