BHUTAN GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST TRIGGERS FLOOD ALERT IN BENGAL AND ASSAM; OVER 10,000 PEOPLE EVACUATED
October 30, 2026
KOLKATA, OCTOBER 30, 2026: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan has triggered emergency flood alerts across parts of West Bengal and Assam, raising concerns over a sudden rise in water levels along the Sankosh river system. More than 10,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from vulnerable areas in West Bengal as authorities mobilise disaster response teams.
The outburst occurred at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan's Gasa district, releasing large volumes of water downstream through the Mo Chhu river towards the Sankosh river. The resulting flash flood damaged infrastructure around the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs, a popular tourist destination in northern Bhutan. According to Bhutan's state broadcaster, no casualties had been reported. However, the full extent of the damage remained unclear, with two Bailey bridges feared to have been washed away by the powerful water current.
In West Bengal, authorities sounded a red alert across vulnerable areas of North Bengal, particularly along the Sankosh river and its tributaries. Residents in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars were also advised to remain vigilant and move to safer locations wherever necessary.
Alipurduar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shaw said approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people had been shifted to relief shelters, while another 6,000 or more had been relocated to safer areas. Schools were being used as temporary relief centres, with arrangements for drinking water, dry food and sanitation. State Disaster Response Force personnel were deployed, while National Disaster Response Force teams were mobilised.
Authorities warned that the approaching floodwaters could carry substantial debris, including timber, concrete fragments and other material swept downstream by the current. Although the intensity of the water flow had reportedly decreased slightly, the administration remained on high alert.
In Assam, the government intensified monitoring in Dhubri district, where the Sankosh river flows through vulnerable areas. The district administration and disaster management agencies were placed on standby to respond to any sudden rise in water levels.
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti had issued an advisory to West Bengal and Assam following information received from the Indian Embassy in Bhutan. It warned that the glacial lake outburst could cause a sudden increase in water levels in Alipurduar district of West Bengal and Dhubri district of Assam.
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood occurs when a natural barrier containing a glacial lake collapses or is breached, releasing enormous quantities of water downstream. Such events can cause sudden flooding, destroy bridges and roads, and threaten settlements located along river valleys.
The incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan communities and infrastructure to extreme glacial and weather-related events.
