West Bengal braces for potential flooding after Bhutanese glacial lake outburst

West Bengal's disaster management authorities have activated monitoring protocols along the Sankosh river corridor following reports of an outburst at Shintaphu glacial lake in Bhutan's Gasa district. The glacial lake, situated below Wakila Mountain, experienced the sudden release, triggering alerts across border regions.

State officials have established surveillance posts along the Sankosh river to track any unusual water flow patterns or debris accumulation. The river, which forms part of the boundary between West Bengal and Bhutan before flowing into Assam, remains the primary focus of monitoring efforts.

While details of the outburst's magnitude remain limited, preliminary reports from Bhutanese media indicated the event occurred in the high-altitude Gasa region. The Sankosh river basin is prone to such incidents, and border authorities routinely conduct joint coordination exercises with Bhutanese counterparts to manage transboundary water-related emergencies.

Local administration in affected West Bengal districts has advised residents in low-lying areas near the Sankosh to remain alert for any sudden changes in water levels. The state disaster management cell is in continuous contact with Bhutanese authorities to gather real-time updates on the situation and assess potential downstream impacts.