A sudden glacier flood in Bhutan has raised concerns in neighbouring India, forcing authorities to issue evacuation warnings for people living along the Sankosh River in West Bengal. The flood occurred after the Shintaphu glacial lake overflowed, sending a large amount of water downstream.
The incident caused damage to infrastructure near Gasa Tshachu, a popular natural hot springs destination in northern Bhutan. Roads leading to Laya village, where the hot springs are located, were washed away, leaving access to the area blocked. Fortunately, authorities had evacuated the area before the floodwaters arrived. No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
Following the incident, officials in India’s West Bengal state began closely monitoring the Sankosh River. Residents living near the river were warned to move to safer locations as a precaution. A state forest and environment minister urged people to take the warnings seriously and evacuate without delay.
According to the minister, floodwaters could reach downstream areas within one to one-and-a-half hours. Several villages and tea gardens located close to the river have been identified as areas of concern. Authorities are taking steps to alert residents and reduce the risk of casualties.
The incident has also brought back memories of a similar glacier-related flood in neighbouring Nepal earlier this year, which caused significant loss of life. Such events highlight the dangers of sudden water releases from glacial lakes, particularly for communities living in mountain regions and along downstream rivers.
Officials are continuing to monitor the water levels and assess the possible impact on nearby areas. Residents have been advised to follow government instructions, avoid riverbanks and move to higher ground when necessary.
The situation highlights the importance of early warnings, emergency planning and quick evacuation measures in areas vulnerable to glacier-related floods. Authorities are working to prevent the situation from developing into a major disaster.