Bhutan glacial lake flood triggers high alert in North Bengal
by Anustupa Mishra · KalingaTVAdvertisement
New Delhi: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) reported in Bhutan has triggered a high alert across parts of North Bengal, prompting large-scale precautionary evacuations and the mobilisation of disaster response teams. The incident was reported at Shintaphu Lake, located below Wakila Mountain in Bhutan’s Gasa district.
The sudden release of water from the lake has sent floodwaters downstream through the Mo Chhu river system towards the Sankosh River.
Residents living along the Sankosh and its tributaries have been advised to move to safer locations.
Authorities have also urged people in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars regions to remain alert.
In Alipurduar district, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people have been shifted to shelters, while more than 6,000 others have reportedly moved to safer areas. Schools are being used as temporary relief centres, with arrangements for drinking water, dry food and sanitation facilities.
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The SDRF has been deployed, while the NDRF has been alerted and a team is on its way.
Police, district administration officials and disaster management volunteers are coordinating evacuation and relief operations. A red alert remains in effect for the Sankosh River system.
Meanwhile, the impact of the outburst has also been reported in Bhutan, where floodwaters damaged a section of the Laya Dzongkhag Road, disrupting connectivity to the remote Laya region. Authorities have restricted traffic on the affected stretch. No casualties had been reported in the initial accounts.
A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood occurs when water accumulated in a glacial lake is suddenly released, often following the breach of a natural barrier made of ice or rock debris.
Such floods can carry large amounts of water, mud and debris downstream, posing risks to settlements, roads and bridges. Authorities in the affected regions continue to monitor river levels and have urged residents to follow official safety instructions.
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