A glacial lake outburst in Bhutan has triggered flash flooding and heightened flood alerts across parts of West Bengal and Assam, raising concerns about a sudden rise in water levels along the Sankosh River.
More than 10,000 people have been moved to relief shelters and safer locations in West Bengal, while authorities in Assam’s Dhubri district have stepped up preparedness to deal with potential downstream flooding. The incident occurred on October 29, with emergency measures continuing on Friday, October 30.
Glacial Lake Outburst Sends Floodwaters Downstream
The outburst was reported at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s mountainous Gasa region. Large volumes of water surged into the Mo Chhu river system, raising concerns about flooding along the downstream Sankosh River, which flows into India.
According to reports, the flood damaged infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs in Bhutan. Sections of the road leading to Laya village were also washed away, leaving the route impassable.
The full extent of the damage remained unclear in initial assessments, and no casualties had been reported in Bhutan as of Friday morning.
Over 10,000 People Shifted to Safety in West Bengal
Authorities in West Bengal moved residents away from vulnerable riverbank settlements in Alipurduar district as a precaution against a sudden surge in the Sankosh River.
According to officials quoted by The Times of India, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people were accommodated in relief shelters, while more than 6,000 others moved to safer locations. Emergency arrangements, including food, drinking water and sanitation facilities, were made available at relief centres.
Residents in vulnerable areas of North Bengal, including parts of the Dooars and nearby river catchments, were urged to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions. Disaster response teams were also mobilised to assist with emergency operations.
Assam on Alert as Dhubri Monitors River Levels
In Assam, the Dhubri district administration intensified monitoring of the Sankosh River and prepared to respond to possible downstream effects.
The Assam Chief Minister’s Office said the situation was being closely monitored and that the Dhubri district administration was prepared to deal with any eventuality. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority reported that the river’s water level was steady at 6:30 am on October 30, even as officials remained on alert.
Authorities continue to monitor river conditions, as water levels can change while floodwaters move downstream.
Authorities Urge Residents to Exercise Caution
The glacial lake outburst has highlighted the risks posed by sudden releases of water from high-altitude lakes, which can send powerful surges downstream and damage roads, bridges and settlements.
Residents living near the Sankosh River and its tributaries have been advised to move to safer locations when instructed, avoid riverbanks and flooded roads, and follow official advisories.
With thousands already relocated in West Bengal and emergency preparations underway in Assam, authorities are continuing to assess the situation and monitor the potential impact of the flood surge.