Glacial Lake Overflows in Bhutan.. Flood Alerts Issued for Indian States

Fresh concerns over flash floods have emerged after a glacial lake overflowed in Bhutan, following the recent flash flood incidents in Nepal. The Shinthafu Lake in the Gasa district of northwestern Bhutan has overflowed, triggering heavy flooding. India has issued advance warnings, placing parts of Assam and West Bengal on high alert amid forecasts of possible flash floods. Facilities at the Gasa Tshachu hot springs, located along the Mo Chhu river basin, have been washed away. However, authorities evacuated people in advance, preventing loss of life.

The floodwaters are currently moving downstream and have crossed the Shigang area. Assam’s Dhubri district and the hill areas of Darjeeling, along with Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts in West Bengal, face a potential flood threat. Bhutan has alerted the Indian states, while local authorities in Cooch Behar have warned residents living along the Sankosh river basin. Shinthafu is among 17 high-risk glacial lakes identified in the Himalayas and is located at the source of the Mo Chhu river. In 2021, a change in the river’s course also caused damage to facilities at Gasa Tshachu.