THIMPHU: A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurred at Shintaphu Lake in the Gasa district of northwestern Bhutan on Thursday evening, prompting authorities to issue severe flash-flood advisories across parts of West Bengal and Assam. The surge of floodwaters completely washed away the infrastructure at Gasa Tshachu, a renowned natural hot spring located along the Mo Chhu River. No casualties have been reported as the site had been evacuated in advance as a precaution.
Shintaphu Lake, situated at the headwaters of the Mo Chhu River, is categorized as one of Bhutan’s 17 potentially hazardous glacial lakes. The Gasa Tshachu hot spring facility was previously destroyed on August 26, 2021, when a major flash flood forced the swollen Mo Chhu to alter its course.
Official reports confirm that the flood crest has already crossed Srigang in Kabesa Gewog, approximately eight kilometers downstream from Punakha Dzong.
In response to the rising water levels, the Royal Government of Bhutan alerted the state administrations of West Bengal and Assam regarding potential downstream flash floods. Border districts, including Dhubri in Assam, alongside Darjeeling hills, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, remain under close monitoring.
In West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, local authorities issued safety advisories to communities residing along the banks of the Sankosh River. The Sankosh originates in northern Bhutan, fed by major upper tributaries including the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, before merging into the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com