A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan’s northwestern Gasa district has triggered flash-flood warnings across downstream areas of Bhutan and neighbouring Indian states, including West Bengal and Assam.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when floodwaters surged through the Mo Chhu River, damaging infrastructure and facilities at Gasa Tshachu, one of Bhutan’s popular natural hot springs. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, as authorities had evacuated the area before the flooding.
Shintaphu Lake, situated near the headwaters of the Mo Chhu River, is among Bhutan’s 17 glacial lakes identified as potentially dangerous. The latest incident highlights the growing vulnerability of Himalayan communities to glacial hazards and sudden flooding.
Gasa Tshachu previously suffered extensive damage during a major flash flood on August 26, 2021, when the swollen Mo Chhu River changed its course towards the hot spring.
According to reports, floodwaters have reached Srigang in Kabesa Gewog, approximately eight kilometres from Punakha Dzong, prompting continued monitoring by Bhutanese authorities.
The flooding has also partially damaged a solar-powered irrigation lifting system in the Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa Chiwog area of Punakha’s Guma Gewog. The system was installed earlier this year to improve agricultural irrigation facilities.
Bhutan has alerted Indian authorities about potential downstream flooding. In Assam, Dhubri district faces possible risks, while West Bengal’s Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts remain under precautionary monitoring.
Residents living near vulnerable riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.
Authorities in both countries continue monitoring river levels and coordinating preparedness measures.
The incident underscores the importance of Bhutan’s glacial lake monitoring programmes, early-warning systems and cross-border disaster cooperation in protecting communities, agricultural infrastructure and livelihoods from climate-related hazards.
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