Bhutan Glacial Flood Triggers Evacuations Along India’s Sankosh River
A glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan has triggered evacuations along India's Sankosh River due to rising water levels.
ALIPURDUAR, Oct 30: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan has led to evacuations in northern West Bengal, India, as authorities prepare for possible flooding along the affected rivers. The incident occurred at Lemthang, resulting in surges through the Mo (Mofu) River toward the Sankosh River, which runs along the India-Bhutan border.
In Alipurduar district, local officials reported residents evacuating with livestock following orders. Water Resources Minister Nisith Pramanik confirmed, “Everyone living in the catchment areas of the Sankosh River and all its connected tributaries has been asked to move to a safe distance immediately to protect their lives.”
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Evacuations began late Thursday night, with officials using loudspeakers near Rampur-I gram panchayat to warn residents.
Authorities estimate nearly 7.4 million cubic meters of water surged from the breached Shintaphu Lake into the Mo River, raising fears of rising water levels in the Sankosh. The potential flood could reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours, threatening low-lying areas in West Bengal and Assam.
In Assam, the government is on high alert, especially in Dhubri district, where monitoring teams are ready for downstream effects. The Chief Minister’s Office stated, “The situation arising out of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Bhutan is being closely monitored.”
There are concerns over the Punatsangchhu project, a significant India-Bhutan joint venture, as rising water may threaten its infrastructure. The Indian Ministry of Jal Shakti issued an advisory warning of possible flooding, urging local authorities to monitor the situation closely.
The flood’s impact has also affected Bhutan, damaging a solar-powered irrigation project and blocking parts of the Punakha-Gasa Highway with debris. However, there have been no reports of casualties in Bhutan so far.
Officials from both countries are maintaining regular communication to manage the crisis. In West Bengal, local law enforcement reassured residents that they are in control of the situation, advising against panic as precautions are being taken.
Sources
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.