Bhutan glacial lake outburst triggers flood alerts in Assam and West Bengal

A glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan has triggered flood warnings in parts of Assam and West Bengal as water moves toward the Sankosh River. Rescue and disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas while officials monitor the floodwater.

The outburst was reported on Thursday evening at Shintaphu Lake, also called Shintaphu Tsho, below Wakila Mountain in Bhutan’s Gasa district. The lake lies in the upper Mo Chhu river basin, part of the Punatsangchhu basin, which becomes the Sankosh after entering India.

“First of all, I would like to tell the residents of the district that there is absolutely no need to panic. The situation is currently under control.”

In North Bengal, residents along the Sankosh River and its tributaries were advised to move immediately to safer locations. People in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars regions were also urged to stay alert because of possible flooding.

State Minister Nisith Pramanik said water was expected to reach the plains within five to six hours, raising concerns about significant flooding. He added that authorities had received reports of the outburst and that overflowing water was moving downstream through the Mo Chhu River toward the Sankosh.

In Alipurduar, West Bengal, SP Amit Kumar Shaw said there was no need to panic and that the situation was under control. Police, the District Magistrate, the Block Development Officer and relevant agencies were working in close coordination.

Authorities have moved approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people into shelters using school buildings as relief centers. More than 6,000 people have been relocated to safe areas, and arrangements have been made for dry food, drinking water and toilet facilities.

A red alert is currently in effect for the Sankosh river system. Officials said they would reassess the situation in two hours and remain fully prepared to handle any emergency.