Bhutan Glacial Lake Burst Triggers Flood Alert In Assam, West Bengal; 15,000 People Moved To Safety
Alipurduar, West Bengal, 30th October 2026: A glacial lake burst in Bhutan has triggered flood warnings in parts of West Bengal and Assam, prompting authorities to move thousands of residents to safer locations as water flowed towards the Sankosh River.
According to reports, the incident occurred late Thursday night at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district. The outburst sent floodwaters downstream, raising concerns over a sudden rise in water levels along rivers flowing towards India. The Alipurduar administration moved approximately 15,000 people from vulnerable areas to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
Residents from villages and gram panchayat areas along the Sankosh River, including Bholka, Chengmari and nearby settlements, were among those shifted. Authorities also alerted communities in Assam’s Dhubri district, where officials began monitoring river levels and preparing for possible flooding.
The administration activated emergency response arrangements, with State Disaster Response Force personnel deployed and National Disaster Response Force teams mobilised to assist. Temporary relief centres were established in schools and community buildings to accommodate displaced residents. Arrangements for drinking water, dry food and other essential facilities were also made.
The flood threat followed reports that the lake outburst released approximately 7.4 million cubic metres of water into the river system. Authorities remained on alert because the sudden volume of water could carry debris downstream and cause flooding in low-lying areas along the riverbanks.
The incident also caused damage in Bhutan. Reports said facilities at Gasa Tshachu, a popular natural hot-spring destination, were affected by the flash flood. The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear, as darkness and strong currents hampered initial assessments. No casualties had been reported in the initial updates.
Officials in West Bengal urged residents living near the Sankosh River and other vulnerable areas to follow evacuation instructions, avoid approaching riverbanks, and report any sudden rise in water levels. Authorities in both West Bengal and Assam continued monitoring the situation as they prepared for possible downstream effects.
A glacial lake outburst flood occurs when water held in a glacial lake is suddenly released, potentially causing a rapid and destructive surge downstream. Such events can pose a serious risk to communities located along river systems, particularly when there is limited time to assess the volume and movement of floodwater.
