Geologists warn another quake might affect Teesta course

Gangtok, Sep 25: Geologists in Sikkim warn that another earthquake in the region might lead to topographical and morphological changes in the region and may even affect the course of Teesta, the major river flowing through this region.

Even as the state is yet to recover from the devastating Sept 18 tremor measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, scientists say that more earthquakes in the seismic region are overdue.

"Any earthquake particularly in the hilly region which is always considered topographically vulnerable, will experience a morphological and topographical change but the extent of change after this quake cannot be assessed right now. It will take some time," senior Geologist of Geological Survey of India in Sikkim Paritosh Bhaumik told PTI.

When asked whether the quake will affect the course of Teesta, Bhaumik said, "Though Teesta doesn't fall in the seismological weak lineament but another earthquake in the region will lead to the increase of glacial lakes and it will definitely affect the course of the river".

"There are glacial lakes like Changekhempu and Zimo at Gurudambar lake which feeds Teesta. (In the event of an quake) these might start melting and increase in the flow of water will lead to flash floods and it might even too some extent change the course of the river," Bahumik said.

"Moreover, there are many small glacials in Lachenchu region which might start melting and we cannot also ignore the possibility of the creation of new glacials but these are all subject to epicenter of the quakes and the intensity of it," Bhaumik said.

PTI