Glacial Lake Outburst in Bhutan Triggers Flood Alert in India; Over 10,000 Evacuated in West Bengal
The Freedom Press
Bhutan Oct 30: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan’s Gasa district on October 29 has triggered flood alerts in parts of eastern India, particularly West Bengal and Assam. The incident reportedly occurred around 8:15 pm near Shintaphu (Sintaphu), washing away infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu Hot Springs and damaging roads, with possible damage to bridges.
Highways in the affected area were closed as a precautionary measure. No casualties were reported in Bhutan, as warning sirens had been activated and evacuation measures were put in place before the situation worsened.
In India, the outburst has raised concerns over a possible sudden rise in the Sankosh River, which flows from Bhutan into West Bengal and Assam. More than 10,000 people in vulnerable areas of West Bengal, particularly Alipurduar district, have reportedly been evacuated to safer locations. Authorities have also sounded alerts in Assam’s Dhubri district and other vulnerable areas.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been placed on standby and deployed in vulnerable locations. The Central Water Commission has also issued a special flood advisory, urging residents along the riverbanks to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.
Shintaphu Lake is among Bhutan’s 17 glacial lakes identified as potentially dangerous. The incident has once again highlighted the growing risks posed by glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayan region amid concerns over rising temperatures and climate change.
