Glacial Lake Outburst in Bhutan Triggers Flood Alert for North Bengal

A glacial lake outburst flood has struck Bhutan, sending a massive surge of water rushing down into the Sunkosh River and raising flood fears in West Bengal and Assam. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for Alipurduar and Cooch Behar as water levels rise rapidly, prompting officials to launch announcements over loudspeakers in riverside villages.

Potential Impact

The Sunkosh River flows from Bhutan along the border of West Bengal and Assam before joining the Brahmaputra, putting low-lying areas at direct risk of flooding. Officials warn that the sudden rush of water could submerge farm fields, roads, and bridges across North Bengal. BJP MP Raju Bista has urged residents across the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions to stay alert while avoiding panic, and asked locals to cooperate fully with the administration.

Context

Glacial lake outbursts happen when the natural wall holding back a high-altitude mountain lake suddenly breaks, sending millions of litres of water crashing down river valleys with little warning. Mountain rivers like these can swell in minutes, giving downstream communities very little time to reach higher ground during an emergency.