The powerful water flow completely destroyed the Gasa Tsachu hot spring, a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. A section of the Punakha-Gasa Highway was also damaged, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on the affected stretch.
The water released from the lake has increased the water level of the Sankosh River. Flowing from Bhutan through areas along the West Bengal-Assam border, the river eventually joins the Brahmaputra. In view of the potential flood threat, alerts have been issued in both states.
In West Bengal's Alipurduar district, the administration has evacuated more than 10,000 people and moved them to safer locations and relief camps. Sirens were sounded throughout the night to alert residents, who were asked to leave their homes as soon as possible. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and disaster management authorities have also been deployed.
The water released from Bhutan's Shintafu Glacier Lake could reach India through the river network. The water will first enter Bhutan's Mo Chhu River. Further downstream, the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers merge to form the Punatsangchhu River.
The Punatsangchhu flows southwards before entering India, where it is known as the Sankosh River. The rising water level could threaten low-lying areas in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal, as well as Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam.
The Sankosh River eventually joins the Brahmaputra in Assam, creating a potential route for water released from the Bhutanese glacial lake to reach India's plains.
The Shintafu Tsho Lake, located in the Lungo area of Laya Gewog in Bhutan's Gasa district, began releasing water on the evening of October 29. Situated beneath Mount Wakila, the lake is among Bhutan's 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes.
Water released from the lake moved further through the catchment area of the Mo Chhu River. Reports indicated that floodwaters reached the Taktsemakhang area at around 8:15 pm.
The strong current subsequently destroyed the Gasa Tsachu hot spring facility, while the damage to the Punakha-Gasa Highway disrupted road connectivity and led to the closure of the affected section.
Following concerns over the possibility of floodwaters entering India, authorities intensified precautions in border areas of West Bengal and Assam. Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, along with Dhubri and other areas situated along the river in Assam, were placed on heightened alert.
More than 10,000 people have been shifted from vulnerable border areas to safer locations. With the Sankosh River carrying water downstream towards the Brahmaputra, authorities are maintaining preparedness across potentially affected areas in the two states.
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