States » EastPosted at: Oct 30 2026 1:38PM


Timely alert saves North Bengal from Bhutan glacial flood threat: Suvendu

Kolkata, October 30 (UNI) Timely precautionary measures helped avert a major disaster in North Bengal following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan, with the situation remaining under control in the affected areas of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday.
Assuring that there was no immediate cause for concern, the Chief Minister said all 47 people whose whereabouts had initially raised concerns had been traced and were safe.
The Sankosh river was also flowing below the danger mark, he said.
Speaking at his public outreach programme in Salt Lake, Adhikari said senior police officers, ministers and MLAs had remained on duty throughout the night to monitor the situation and coordinate relief and rescue measures.
"Till 4 am, the Superintendents of Police, ministers and MLAs were working. They were also in touch with the control room at Nabanna. The Sankosh river is flowing below the danger level. The reports of missing persons have also been resolved. We have been able to establish contact with everyone. All 47 people are safe," the Chief Minister said.
The situation arose after a glacier collapse in Bhutan's Gasa district on Thursday evening breached the natural barrier of Shintaphu Lake, triggering a glacial lake outburst flood.
The sudden surge of water swept through the nearby Gasa Tashachhu region during the night, damaging several structures.
The floodwater flowed through Bhutan's Mfo River towards the Sankosh, raising fears of flooding in parts of West Bengal and Assam.
The Bhutan government alerted the administrations of both states about the potential threat.
Following the warning, the West Bengal administration initiated precautionary measures, evacuating at least 12,000 residents from vulnerable areas of Alipurduar to safer locations.
Arrangements were also made to provide them with drinking water and food.
However, the situation did not escalate into a major disaster, and authorities confirmed that all those evacuated were safe.
UNI SAG ARN
Tags: #Timely alert saves North Bengal from Bhutan glacial flood threat: Suvendu
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