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Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Bhutan Triggers Evacuation of 12,000 in West Bengal, Assam on Alert
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 07:46 PM
👁 10
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Bhutan has prompted West Bengal authorities to relocate about 12,000 residents to safety, while neighboring Assam remains on high alert.
A sudden glacial lake outburst flood in Bhutan sent a surge of water downstream, raising concerns for adjoining Indian territories. State disaster management officials in West Bengal ordered the evacuation of roughly 12,000 people from vulnerable river‑bank villages as floodwaters threatened to breach embankments.
The evacuation was carried out using government buses and temporary shelters were set up in nearby towns. West Bengal's Chief Minister's office confirmed that the operation was completed without casualties and that relief supplies are being distributed.
Meanwhile, Assam's disaster response team is closely monitoring water levels in the Brahmaputra basin, issuing advisories to districts bordering Bhutan. Officials said they are prepared to activate flood‑relief protocols should the surge cross state boundaries.
Both state governments have appealed to the central Ministry of Home Affairs for additional resources and have urged residents in low‑lying areas to stay vigilant until the situation stabilises.
The evacuation was carried out using government buses and temporary shelters were set up in nearby towns. West Bengal's Chief Minister's office confirmed that the operation was completed without casualties and that relief supplies are being distributed.
Meanwhile, Assam's disaster response team is closely monitoring water levels in the Brahmaputra basin, issuing advisories to districts bordering Bhutan. Officials said they are prepared to activate flood‑relief protocols should the surge cross state boundaries.
Both state governments have appealed to the central Ministry of Home Affairs for additional resources and have urged residents in low‑lying areas to stay vigilant until the situation stabilises.