Glacial lake explosion in Bhutan triggers flood alert in northern West Bengal, Assam

The map shows the glacial lakes in Bhutan. Image is for representational purposes only. Photo: Special arrangement

A Glacial Lake Flood (GLOF) in Bhutan has triggered a high flood alert in parts of northern West Bengal, prompting evacuations in areas along the Sankosh River and its tributaries amid fears of a sudden rise in water levels, officials said on Friday (Oct 30, 2026).

Residents of riverside villages in Alipurduar district were seen leaving their homes with their livestock after the administration issued evacuation instructions.

Also read: Melting Himalayan glaciers threaten the whole of South Asia

Water Resources Research and Development Minister Nisith Pramanik said there was a glacial outburst in Lemthang, Bhutan, with water from the lake flowing across the Mo (Mofu) River towards Sankosh.

“Everyone living in the basins of the Sankosh River and all its connected tributaries has been asked to immediately move to a safe distance to protect their lives,” Mr. Pramaník said in a video message.

He urged residents living near riverbeds in Tufanganj and adjoining areas in Cooch Behar to evacuate immediately in view of potential flooding.

He said the administration is ready to deal with any eventuality, with teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) standing by for rescue and relief operations.

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported originating from Lake Sintaphu in the Mochu Gasa basin. NCHM is currently monitoring the water level along the Mochu River in Tashithang. India has been informed. https://t.co/ArS7S73wd2

— Bhutanese (@tabtanese) October 29, 2026

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista urged people in the Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars hills to remain vigilant and follow official advice.

Nearly 7.4 million cubic meters of water gushed from the ruptured Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan into the Mo River, raising fears of a sudden rise in the level of the Sankosh, which flows along the West Bengal-Assam border.

“The administration initiated evacuation measures late on Thursday night (October 29) in villages along Sankosh. Loudspeaker announcements were issued in riverside settlements under Rampur-I gram panchayat area asking residents to vacate their homes and move to designated shelters,” officials said.

VIDEO | West Bengal: State authorities have issued an alert and evacuation warning for residents living along the Sankosh River following a Glacial Lake Flood (GLOF) in neighboring Bhutan. State Forest and Environment Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said, “Everyone who can is urgently requested to immediately warn others in the affected areas. Special alerts are directed at forest villages and hamlets bordering the Sankosh river, including upper Sankosh forest village, NKC Sankosh tea garden, Kumargram CD block, Chengmari riverbanks, Valka Baraguri and you Sankosh, Jharash River.inform everyone around asap.Dam has burst in next 1 to 1.5 hours please inform and evacuate people from these adjacent low lying areas as soon as possible (Full video available at PTI Videos – https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2026

The surge could reach border areas within six to eight hours, potentially inundating vulnerable settlements in West Bengal and Assam, they said.

The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfall in Alipurduar on Friday (October 30), which could further complicate the situation.

The development has also raised concerns about the Punatsangchhu project, a major joint venture between India and Bhutan, as a sudden and substantial rise in river levels could threaten the hydroelectric infrastructure.

A special advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on Thursday (October 29) for Assam and West Bengal said the Indian Embassy has reported a GLOF in Shintaphu Lake in the Punatsangchhu River Basin in Bhutan.

Following reports of flash floods in the upper reaches of the river, the water level in the Sankoshi could rise suddenly in Assam’s Dhubri and Alipurduar districts of West Bengal, the advisory said.

Local authorities in both the districts have been asked to remain alert, monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautionary measures, he added.

Assam is monitoring the situation after the explosion of a glacial lake in Bhutan

The Assam government has been closely monitoring the situation following the Glacial Lake Flood (GLOF) in neighboring Bhutan, with Dhubri district on alert for possible fallout, officials said on Friday (October 30).

The Sankosh River, which flows through Dhubri district, could be affected by floods, prompting authorities to increase vigilance and prepare for a possible rise in water levels, they said.

“The situation arising from the glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan is being closely monitored by HCM Dr. @himantabiswa,” the chief minister’s office said in a social media post.

We are closely monitoring the potential impact of a glacial lake outburst in Bhutan on all vulnerable Dhubri and Kokrajhar revenue streams. Our teams are also in constant touch with NDRF and other agencies and are ready to respond as and when required. Residents are asked to be vigilant, monitor official updates and cooperate with local officials.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 30, 2026

“The @dcofficedhubri team is on site and ready to effectively deal with the fallout,” he added.

A spokesperson for the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said the water level in the Sankosh River was stable as of 6:30 am.

The district administration and response forces were on standby to deal with any eventuality, he said.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 09:26 IST