Kolkata/Guwahati, October 30, 2026: Authorities in West Bengal and Assam have sounded high flood alerts after a glacial lake outburst in northern Bhutan sent a large volume of water downstream toward the Sankosh river basin.
The outburst occurred at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district, below Wakila Mountain, prompting evacuation warnings for vulnerable settlements along rivers flowing toward India.
Shintaphu Lake Bursts in Bhutan
Bhutanese authorities reported a glacial lake outburst flood late Thursday evening.
Shintaphu is considered one of Bhutan’s potentially dangerous glacial lakes because of the risk of sudden release of stored water.
7.4 Million Cubic Metres of Water Reported Released
Reports said nearly 7.4 million cubic metres of water may have escaped from the breached lake.
The surge raised concerns about a rapid increase in water levels downstream along the Sankosh basin.
Floodwater Moving Toward Sankosh
The overflowing water travelled through the Mo Chhu river system toward the Sankosh, which enters India and ultimately joins the Brahmaputra.
Authorities are closely watching river levels for a sudden surge.
North Bengal Put on Alert
District administrations in parts of Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and the Dooars region have issued warnings.
People living near riverbanks and low-lying areas have been urged to move to safer locations.
Assam Districts Also Monitoring Situation
Areas in Assam, including Dhubri, Kokrajhar and Chirang, are monitoring the downstream flood threat.
Disaster-response teams have been kept ready as authorities track changes in the Sankosh and connected rivers.
Evacuations Begin in Vulnerable Areas
Residents in vulnerable settlements have been asked to leave riverbanks as a precaution.
Officials have stressed that evacuation measures are preventive because the exact downstream impact is still being assessed.
Gasa Hot Springs Damaged
The flash flood damaged infrastructure at Gasa Tshachu, a popular natural hot-springs destination in Bhutan.
Road sections were washed out, and reports indicated that portable Bailey bridges may also have been swept away.
No Casualties Reported So Far
Bhutanese authorities said the affected area had been evacuated before the floodwaters arrived.
No deaths or injuries had been reported at the time of the latest updates.
Authorities Urge Residents Not to Panic
Officials in West Bengal have asked people to remain alert but avoid panic.
Police and district administrations say they are monitoring the situation continuously and coordinating with disaster-management agencies.
Downstream Risk Remains Under Watch
The full impact of the glacial lake outburst is still unclear.
Authorities in Bhutan, West Bengal and Assam will continue monitoring river levels and may expand evacuations if the water surge intensifies.
Source: Reuters, The Indian Express, NDTV, The New Indian Express
Supreme News Network
