A sudden surge of water from a glacial lake in Bhutan has put communities across parts of West Bengal and Assam on alert, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes amid fears of flooding along the Sankosh and Brahmaputra river systems.

The glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s Gasa district has damaged roads and hot-spring facilities. Monks living in the affected areas have also been evacuated as authorities assess the situation. No casualties have been reported so far.

The impact is being closely monitored across the border, particularly in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district, where more than 10,000 people have reportedly been relocated as a precaution. Rescue and disaster response teams remain on standby to deal with any sudden rise in water levels.

Several other areas, including Cooch Behar, Tufanganj and parts of the northern districts, have been placed on high alert because of the potential threat along the Sankosh River. Residents living near riverbanks and tea garden settlements have been urged to move to safer locations.

West Bengal minister Nisith Pramanik warned people in vulnerable areas against ignoring evacuation advisories, stressing the need to prioritise safety as the situation develops.

The alert has also extended to Assam, particularly Dhubri district, where officials are monitoring the Sankosh River for a possible surge. Communities living along the Brahmaputra have been advised to remain vigilant as authorities watch for changes in river levels.

A glacial lake outburst flood occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released, often following the failure of a natural barrier. Such events can send large volumes of water downstream within a short period, leaving communities with little time to respond.

For residents living along these river systems, the immediate concern is no longer just the damage reported in Bhutan, but how far the floodwaters could travel downstream.

With evacuation measures underway and emergency teams on alert, authorities are urging people to follow official instructions and avoid returning to vulnerable areas until the situation improves.