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Glacial lake outburst floods Mo River, evacuations begin

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Minister Nisith Pramanik said Shintaphu Lake breached, triggering a glacial lake outburst.
The breach discharged nearly 7.4 million cubic metres into the Mo (Mofu) river, which feeds the Sankosh.
Authorities warned the combined flow could raise water levels along the West Bengal-Assam border.
Alipurduar residents evacuated with cattle after loudspeaker alerts.
Officials urged Tufanganj and Cooch Behar villagers near riverbeds to relocate to safer areas.

Summary

Flash flood destroyed the Gasa Tshachu hot-spring complex, a key tourist attraction.
The flood washed away two Bailey bridges and the road to Laya village, cutting off access.
Debris blocked the Punakha-Gasa highway at Dzomlingthang, disrupting regional transport.
The Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project shut down turbines and opened dam gates to lower water levels.
Scientists say rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt, increasing future glacial lake outburst flood risk.

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Pramanik Warns Flood

Minister Nisith Pramanik said Shintaphu Lake breached, triggering a glacial lake outburst.
The breach discharged nearly 7.4 million cubic metres into the Mo (Mofu) river, which feeds the Sankosh.
Authorities warned the combined flow could raise water levels along the West Bengal-Assam border.
Alipurduar residents evacuated with cattle after loudspeaker alerts.
Officials urged Tufanganj and Cooch Behar villagers near riverbeds to relocate to safer areas.

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