NEW DELHI: A glacial lake outburst in Bhutan has triggered a flash flood, sending large volumes of water downstream through the Mo Chhu river towards the Sankosh river and prompting authorities in West Bengal to sound a high alert across North Bengal. More than 10,000 people have been moved to shelters and safer locations as disaster response teams prepare for possible flooding.The flood has washed away infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs in Bhutan’s Gasa district. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, state broadcaster Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) said on Friday.The late-night flood damaged infrastructure at the popular tourist destination, although the full extent of the destruction remained unclear. BBS said the assessment was hampered by “darkness and the strong flow” of floodwaters. Two Bailey bridges, built using portable, prefabricated sections, may also have been washed away.According to Bhutan’s national newspaper Kuensel, parts of the road leading to Laya village, where the hot springs are located, were washed away, making the route impassable. The road has been closed to traffic indefinitely. The area was evacuated before the floodwaters reached the hot springs.
North Bengal on high alert, thousands moved to safety
Authorities in West Bengal have activated disaster response mechanisms and alerted residents living along the Sankosh river and its tributaries following reports of the glacial lake outburst flood at Lemthang in Bhutan.Residents in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars regions have also been advised to remain alert and move to safer locations if they live in vulnerable areas.BJP MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista issued an alert through a post on X on Thursday, urging people living in the catchment areas of the Sankosh river and its connected tributaries to move to safer locations.“A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) has been reported at Lemthang in Bhutan. The overflowing water from the lake is flowing downwards through the Mofu River towards the Sunkosh River,” the post read.“Therefore, everyone living in the catchment areas of the Sunkosh River and all its connected tributaries have been informed to move to a safe distance immediately to protect their lives. Everyone in our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region are requested to stay alert,” he added.State minister Nisith Pramanik said the government had received reports of the glacial lake outburst and that the overflowing water was moving towards the Sankosh river through the Mo Chhu river.“Reports have just come in regarding a glacial lake outburst in Bhutan. Water from the lake is overflowing and flowing downstream into the Mo Chhu River, heading toward the Sankosh River. Residents living along the Sankosh River and its tributaries have been alerted; they are advised to move to a safe distance immediately to ensure their safety,” Pramanik said.He said the water was expected to reach the plains within five to six hours, raising concerns about possible flooding.“To manage the situation, the State Disaster Management Team has been activated, and the NDRF has also been notified. Disaster management volunteers have been instructed to be present on-site. The government is taking proactive measures and closely monitoring the situation to prevent any loss of life or property,” he added.
4,000-5,000 people shifted to shelters
Alipurduar Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Shaw appealed to residents not to panic, saying the administration was coordinating with Bhutanese authorities and disaster response agencies.“First of all, I would like to tell the residents of the district that there is absolutely no need to panic. The situation is currently under control. We are in constant touch with the authorities in Bhutan. Our police team, the District Magistrate (DM) and the Block Development Officer (BDO) with their respective teams, along with all relevant agencies and stakeholders, are working together in close coordination,” Shaw told ANI.He said the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been deployed in the area, while an National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was also on its way. Civil Defence personnel had additionally been mobilised to assist with preparedness measures.“We have already moved approximately 4,000 to 5,000 people into shelters, utilising school buildings as relief centres. Additionally, more than 6,000 people have been relocated to safe areas,” he said.Shaw said the intensity of the water flow had decreased slightly, according to the latest information received, but the administration remained on high alert.“The police, the DM’s office, and the BDO’s office have made arrangements for dry food and drinking water. We have also ensured that other necessities, such as toilet facilities, are provided. We will wait to see what the situation looks like in two hours. We are fully prepared and ready to handle any emergency that may arise,” he said.He added that a red alert was in force for the Sankosh river system and warned that the approaching floodwaters could carry dead fish and debris, including large pieces of wood and concrete.“We expect to see water flowing through the Sankosh River, likely accompanied by dead fish, as well as large pieces of wood and concrete debris,” Shaw said.
What is a glacial lake outburst flood?
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), also known as a jokulhlaup, occurs when the natural dam holding back a glacial lake fails or is breached, releasing large volumes of water downstream. Such floods can cause sudden destruction of roads, bridges, settlements and other infrastructure, particularly in mountainous regions.Shintaphu Lake, located below Wakila Mountain in Lungo, Laya Gewog, in Bhutan’s Gasa district, is among 17 glacial lakes in the country identified as potentially dangerous, according to local reports.
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Gasa Tshachu, a popular natural hot spring in northern Bhutan, was also hit by a flash flood in 2021 when the Mochhu river changed course and swept through the area.The latest incident has renewed concerns over glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayan region. In August, a flash flood near Nepal’s border with China killed more than 1,500 people and left over 5,000 missing, according to the supplied report.Authorities in West Bengal continue to monitor water levels and coordinate with Bhutanese officials and disaster response agencies. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow official advisories.