A Bhutan glacial lake outburst has triggered flood warnings across parts of Assam and West Bengal after a sudden release of water damaged infrastructure in the Himalayan country. Authorities in India are monitoring the Sankosh River over concerns that water levels could rise sharply and threaten downstream communities.
The flash flood partially damaged a solar-powered irrigation project and swept debris onto a section of the Punakha-Gasa Highway. No casualties had been reported in Bhutan at the time of the initial reports.
The outburst was reported on Thursday evening at Shintaphu Lake, also known as Shintaphu Tsho, below Wakila Mountain in Bhutan's Gasa district.
Shintaphu Lake Outburst Damages Infrastructure in Bhutan
The Solar Irrigation Lifting System in Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa Chiwog, under Guma Gewog in Punakha, was partially damaged during the flash flood and stopped functioning. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
The system had been installed earlier this year to address water supply difficulties faced by local residents.
Floodwater also carried debris onto part of the Punakha-Gasa Highway in the Dzomlingthang area.
Shintaphu Lake lies in the upper reaches of the Mo Chhu river basin. Water released from the lake flows southwards into the Mo Chhu. The lake is among Bhutan's 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes.
What Is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood?
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurs when water stored in a lake formed by melting glaciers is suddenly released, often after the natural barrier holding the water fails or is breached.
Such floods can travel rapidly through mountain valleys, carrying water, rocks and debris. They can damage roads, bridges, agricultural land and settlements located downstream.
Shintaphu Lake lies within Bhutan's Punatsangchhu river basin. The river is known as the Sankosh after entering India, making the outburst a concern for communities along its downstream course.
Five Districts in Assam and West Bengal on Alert
Following the incident, the Government of India issued a special advisory warning of a possible sharp rise in Sankosh River water levels.
The warning covers West Bengal's Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts, along with Assam's Dhubri district.
Authorities have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in Tufanganj and Boxirhat in Cooch Behar district, both located near the Sankosh River and the Assam border.
According to the advisory, floodwater was expected to reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours. District administrations have been asked to monitor the situation and take precautionary measures.
Minister Appeals to Residents to Move to Safer Areas
West Bengal Forest Minister and Kumargram MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon urged residents living along the Sankosh River in Alipurduar to move to safer locations.
In a video message, Oraon warned of a possible rise in water levels and appealed to people to cooperate with the administration.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista also issued a public safety warning, urging residents in the catchment areas of the Sankosh and connected tributaries to remain alert and relocate if necessary.
Authorities continue to monitor the movement of floodwater and assess the potential impact on downstream settlements, livestock, farmland and infrastructure.
For official disaster management updates, visit the National Disaster Management Authority.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem