Authorities in West Bengal evacuated nearly 12,000 residents from vulnerable riverbank areas in Alipurduar district on Friday after a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan sent a large volume of water surging downstream into the Sankosh River system, raising fears of flooding across parts of North Bengal and Assam.
Officials said the emergency response was initiated after Shintaphu Lake, a glacial lake located in Bhutan’s Gasa district, breached its banks on Thursday evening.
The outburst released an estimated 7.4 million cubic metres of water, along with mud, rocks and debris, into the Mo Chhu River, which eventually feeds the Sankosh River downstream.
The sudden influx of water led to a rapid rise in the level of the Sankosh River, which flows along sections of the West Bengal-Assam boundary.
According to local authorities, the river’s water level increased by nearly two feet since Friday morning, prompting precautionary evacuations in low-lying areas of Alipurduar district.
Disaster management agencies have issued flood alerts for several districts likely to be affected by the downstream flow.
In West Bengal, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, while in Assam, Dhubri district and adjoining riverine areas have been placed on alert.
Rescue and emergency response teams have been deployed to vulnerable locations, and temporary shelters have been arranged for evacuated residents.
Officials have urged people living near riverbanks to remain vigilant and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations.
Growing Concern Over Himalayan Glacial Lakes
The incident has once again highlighted the increasing threat posed by glacial lake outburst floods across the Himalayan region.
Such events occur when the natural moraine or ice barriers holding back glacial lakes suddenly fail, releasing massive quantities of water downstream with little warning.
Climate experts have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt are increasing both the number and size of glacial lakes in the Himalayas, heightening the risk of catastrophic flood events affecting communities in Bhutan, India and Nepal.
Authorities in both Bhutan and India are continuing to assess the evolving situation, while river levels across downstream networks are being monitored round the clock to ensure timely warnings and response measures if water levels rise further.
