Bhutan Glacial Lake Outburst Triggers Evacuations Near Sankosh River

Following a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) originating from the Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan on October 29, 2026, authorities in West Bengal, India, initiated mass evacuations. Over 4,000 residents from low-lying areas in the Kumargram and Tufanganj regions were moved to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Situation Overview

• Origin: The GLOF occurred at the Shintaphu lake in the Mochu sub-basin of Gasa, Bhutan, leading to an estimated 7.4 million cubic meters of water surging into the Mo River.
• Impact Zone: The surge flows into the Sankosh River, which runs along the West Bengal-Assam border. Officials reported minor damage to lock gates on the river due to water pressure.
• Status: Government officials, including state ministers, confirmed that while the situation remains monitored, water levels showed signs of stabilization by the afternoon of October 30. All 47 individuals previously reported as missing have been accounted for and are safe.

Response Measures

Authorities deployed National and State Disaster Response Forces to the affected areas. Residents in riverbank settlements, including forest villages and tea garden hamlets like NKC Sankosh, were alerted to move to designated shelters. Officials have requested the public to remain vigilant, as the India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in the Alipurduar region for October 30, which could impact water levels. Residents are advised to monitor official updates from the West Bengal state administration and local district authorities to verify current flood risk levels.