In Bhutan's Gasa region, a glacial lake burst destroyed a resort and cut off a road
In the northern Bhutanese district Gasa, a high-altitude glacial lake Sintaphu Lake burst amid heavy rains. The water column flooded a valley, washing away a popular hot spring complex Gasa Tshachu and causing significant damage to the road network.
At kilometer 31.85 of the Punakha — Gasa highway, the road was completely washed out, halting traffic in that direction for an indefinite period. Water also damaged the road near Taktsemakhang, cutting off communication with Laya, one of the most remote highland communities in the country.
According to rescue services, there were no deaths or injuries: people managed to move from dangerous areas thanks to the activation of alarm sirens. The Mo Chhu river carries floodwaters to the south, where it merges with the Pho Chhu and passes into the territory of India under the name Sankosh River, so the authorities of the Indian states West Bengal and Assam have also warned coastal settlements about the threat of flooding.
Context
Lake Sintaphu Lake is on the official list of 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Bhutan, which are under constant monitoring due to the fragility of natural moraine dams.
To reduce the risks of such natural discharges, technical solutions are being tested in the country - in particular, the water level at Lake Thorthormi Lake in the Lunana region was reduced thanks to the installation of a special siphon system.