A sudden glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in northern Bhutan has triggered massive flash floods, sending an estimated 7.4 million cubic meters of water surging through the Mo Chhu and Punatsangchhu river systems. The late-night breach devastated parts of Bhutan's high-altitude Gasa district, leading to severe infrastructure damage.
Bhutanese Response Prevents Casualties
The roaring currents obliterated sections of the road leading to Laya and washed away facilities at the popular Gasa Tshachu hot springs. Two crucial Bailey bridges were also likely destroyed, severing access to isolated mountain settlements. Despite the extensive structural damage, early warning systems and swift evacuation efforts by local officials in Bhutan successfully moved residents from vulnerable zones ahead of the main surge, preventing any reported casualties.
High Alert Issued Across Eastern India
As the floodwaters moved south, the downstream impact rapidly shifted to eastern India. The Punatsangchhu River, swollen by the GLOF, empties into the Sankosh River, prompting authorities in West Bengal and Assam to activate high alerts. India’s Union Ministry of Jal Shakti issued urgent advisories, warning of a sudden rise in water levels across the Dooars region, specifically targeting West Bengal’s Alipurduar district and Assam’s Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts.
Emergency Teams Deployed
In response, disaster management teams, including units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed to frontline border areas such as Tufanganj, Boxirhat, and Kumargram. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “We are closely monitoring the possible impact of the glacial lake outburst in Bhutan across all vulnerable revenue circles of Dhubri and Kokrajhar. Our teams are also in constant contact with the NDRF and other agencies, and are ready to respond if needed.”
NDRF Director General Piyush Anand confirmed that his agency is coordinating with all relevant bodies, including the CWC and IMD, following instructions from the Prime Minister and Home Minister for a “whole-of-government approach.” He added, “According to the information received so far, there is no immediate cause for concern. We remain on alert and are prepared to respond if the situation worsens.”
Public announcements are urging riverside communities to evacuate to higher ground as emergency teams maintain around-the-clock monitoring of the Sankosh River’s flow rates to mitigate potential loss of life.