A glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan has triggered concerns across neighbouring Indian states after damaging infrastructure and sending water downstream. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at Shintaphu Lake, also known as Shintaphu Tsho, in Bhutan’s Gasa district. The sudden water release partially damaged a solar-powered irrigation project in Punakha district. Floodwater also carried debris onto a section of the Punakha-Gasa Highway. Bhutanese authorities reported no casualties following the incident. However, officials continue assessing the damage and monitoring the situation. The flash flood raised concerns about a possible sudden rise in the Sankosh River. Indian authorities subsequently issued special flood advisories for vulnerable areas across Assam and West Bengal.
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Glacial Lake Outburst in Bhutan Damages Infrastructure
The outburst damaged the Solar Irrigation Lifting System in Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa Chiwog under Guma Gewog in Punakha. The project aimed to address water shortages affecting local residents. Officials confirmed that the damaged system had stopped functioning after the flood. Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the damage. The flash flood also deposited debris along the Punakha-Gasa Highway near Dzomlingthang. Shintaphu Lake lies below Wakila Mountain and forms part of the upper Mo Chhu river basin. Bhutan identifies the lake among its 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology monitors water levels through stations in the region. Officials are assessing the outburst and its possible impact on downstream communities.
Indian authorities issued special flood advisories after receiving information about the Bhutan incident. Officials warned residents about a possible sharp rise in the Sankosh River. The alerts covered Alipurduar in West Bengal and Dhubri in Assam. Authorities also warned vulnerable areas across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. The Punatsangchhu River flows into India as the Sankosh River, making downstream communities vulnerable to sudden water releases. Disaster response teams strengthened their preparedness across sensitive locations. NDRF and SDRF personnel deployed teams in Tufanganj and Boxirhat in Cooch Behar district. Both locations lie near the Sankosh River and the Assam border. Authorities initially estimated that floodwater could reach the India-Bhutan border within six to eight hours. Officials urged residents to avoid riverbanks and follow evacuation instructions.
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Assam and West Bengal on High Alert as Thousands Shifted to Safer Locations
West Bengal Forest Minister and Kumargram MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon appealed to residents living near the Sankosh River to move towards safer locations. In a Facebook video message, he warned about a possible sudden rise in water levels. He also urged residents to cooperate with the administration and follow safety instructions. Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista issued a separate public safety advisory. He asked people living near the Sankosh River and its connected tributaries to remain alert. Bista also urged residents across the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars to take precautions. Meanwhile, police personnel and district officials coordinated evacuation arrangements. Local administrations prepared temporary shelters and organised essential supplies. Authorities continued communicating with Bhutanese officials to receive updates about the water flow and downstream conditions.
Authorities later confirmed that residents across the affected Indian areas remained safe. Alipurduar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shaw said the situation remained under control and urged people not to panic. He confirmed that officials had shifted approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people into relief shelters. Authorities also relocated more than 6,000 residents to safer locations. The Kumargram block administration arranged 18 shelters across schools, community halls, religious institutions and tea garden facilities. Officials provided drinking water, dry food and essential sanitation facilities. SDRF personnel remained deployed, while an NDRF team prepared to assist. Authorities also reported a slight reduction in water flow based on information received from Bhutan. However, officials maintained a red alert across the Sankosh river system and continued monitoring possible risks, including floating debris.
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