States » EastPosted at: Oct 29 2026 11:40PM


Bhutan lake outburst triggers flooding; Sankosh river residents put on alert

Siliguri, Oct 29 (UNI) A sudden outburst from Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan has triggered flooding, washed away a section of a key road and cut off the remote Laya region from the rest of the country, prompting West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon to issue a precautionary alert to people living along the Sankosh River amid fears of possible flooding downstream.
Oraon late Thursday night urged residents of Kumargram, Changmari and adjoining areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations, if necessary, as floodwater from Bhutan could flow towards vulnerable areas of north Bengal.
He said the water was still around 50-60 km away but cautioned that the situation could become serious as it moved downstream.
The lake outburst occurred near Wakila Mountain in Bhutan's Laya region.
Floodwater reached Taktsemakhang at around 8.15 pm, damaging a section of the Laya Dzongkhag Road and rendering it impassable.
The road has been closed to all traffic until further notice, leaving the remote region cut off from the rest of Bhutan.
Authorities in Bhutan have begun precautionary measures, asking army personnel and others stationed in potentially vulnerable locations to move to safer places.
Neighbouring areas have also been alerted. No casualties have been reported so far.
The full extent of the outburst and the volume of water released from the lake could not be immediately assessed because of darkness.
However, initial reports indicated that the outburst could be significant.
In West Bengal, Oraon has asked the administration and concerned authorities to contact residents in vulnerable areas and ensure that they are moved to safer locations wherever necessary.
He stressed the need for close coordination among officials to prevent loss of life in the event of flooding.
The minister also expressed concern over the possible impact on forest villages and adjoining forest areas along the river.
“If floodwater enters these areas, elephants and other wild animals might have to be forced out of their natural habitats and move towards nearby human settlements, creating additional challenges for residents,” Oraon said.
“We hope that the situation will not lead to devastation similar to that witnessed in Nepal. We should take precautionary measures and timely intervention is essential to minimise the risk,” he added.
The administration is monitoring developments and assessing the potential threat to downstream areas.
Residents have been advised to remain alert, follow official instructions and avoid spreading or acting on rumours.
Meanwhile, Bhutanese authorities have advised people against travelling along the damaged Laya Road until further notice.
Officials are expected to assess the damage and take up restoration work when conditions permit.
With the extent of the lake outburst and its possible impact downstream still unclear, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Residents along the Sankosh River in north Bengal have been urged to cooperate with the administration and follow safety advisories as the situation develops. UNI MRB SAG CDS
Tags: #Bhutan lake outburst triggers flooding; Sankosh river residents put on alert
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