Glacial Lake Bursts in Bhutan, Sparks Alarm in Assam and Bengal: ‘Evacuate the Area Immediately’ — Warning Sirens Sounded Through the Night!

Kolkata. Following reports of a glacial lake outburst in Bhutan, the risk of flooding has escalated in parts of West Bengal and Assam, India. The Government of India has issued a special advisory, warning of a potential sudden and rapid rise in the water level of the Sankosh River. Authorities in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal and the Dhubri district of Assam have been instructed to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures.

According to reports, a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurred on Thursday evening at Shintafu Lake—situated beneath the Wakila Mountain in the Lungo area of ​​Laya Gewog, within Bhutan’s Gasa District. Following the incident, sirens were sounded to alert those living along the riverbanks, and residents in the affected areas were reportedly moved to safer locations.

Water Moving Toward the Sankosh River via the Mofur River

Latest updates indicate that the glacial lake outburst has triggered a massive surge of water. This water is currently moving toward the Sankosh River via the Mofur River. In light of this, an alert has been issued for the Darjeeling hill region, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Vigilance has been heightened in the border areas of West Bengal following the incident in Bhutan. A large volume of water is surging rapidly from Bhutan, traveling through the Mofur River toward the Sankosh River, creating a flood threat for the areas surrounding the river. Given the situation, the administration has issued an alert for the hilly regions of Darjeeling, as well as for Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. Residents living in areas along the banks of the Sankosh River are also being alerted.

Relief teams reach Tufanganj and Boxirhat
In anticipation of potential danger, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have arrived in the Tufanganj and Boxirhat areas, located along the banks of the Sankosh River. Local residents are being warned about the potential threat. At the same time, people have been urged to remain vigilant without panicking. In light of the alert issued by the administration, extra caution is being exercised in the areas surrounding the Sankosh River.

Shintafu is among Bhutan’s 17 dangerous glacial lakes
Lake Shintafu is one of 17 glacial lakes in Bhutan considered to be potentially dangerous. According to an official from Bhutan’s National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), a station is in place at Taktsimakhang to monitor water levels. However, no alert had been issued from that location prior to the initial reports. It is not yet clear how much water has been released from the lake or what impact it will have on downstream areas.

Floodwaters expected to reach the India-Bhutan border in 6 to 8 hours
A special advisory issued by the Indian side states that a flash flood in the upper reaches of the Punatsangchhu River could lead to a rapid rise in water levels in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal and the Dhubri district of Assam. According to the advisory, the floodwaters were expected to reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours of the incident. Officials in both districts have been instructed to keep the situation under constant surveillance and to implement necessary safety measures.
West Bengal Minister Urges Relocation to Safer Areas
West Bengal Forest Minister and Kumargram MLA, Manoj Kumar Oraon, has appealed to residents living along the banks of the Sankosh River in the Alipurduar district to move to safer locations.

In a video message released on Facebook, Oraon warned that a strong surge of water could reach the Sankosh River in Kumargram within the next hour to an hour and a half. He urged people to leave their homes as a precautionary measure, move to safer areas, and cooperate with the administration.

What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is an event where a large volume of water, accumulated in a lake formed by melting glaciers, is suddenly released. This typically occurs when a natural barrier—which holds back the lake water—breaks or develops a breach. During such an event, a powerful surge of water can rush down through mountain valleys. This flow may also carry debris, posing a significant threat to settlements, roads, bridges, and agricultural land.

Shintafu Lake is located in the Punatsangchhu River basin in Bhutan. Upon entering India, this river is known as the Sankosh. The Sankosh River flows through the border regions of northern West Bengal and Assam. A sudden rise in its water level could endanger villages, livestock, farmlands, and infrastructure situated along its banks. Officials are currently monitoring the movement of the floodwaters and assessing potential risks to downstream areas.