On Thursday night, October 29, 2026, a flash flood caused by the failure of Shintaphu glacial lake inundated the Gasa Tshachu geothermal springs in northern Bhutan, damaging infrastructure and interrupting access to the well-known tourist site.
This incident took place when the water level in the glacial lake exceeded the holding capacity of the dam. The issue causing the failure of the dam is still being investigated.
Glacial lakes are formed as a result of melted glacier water accumulated behind natural dams, which are naturally formed by soil and stone. However, these dams can fail due to dead weight pressure, erosion, or avalanche. A GLOF flood can occur if the dam fails, resulting in a sudden release of large volumes of water.
No casualties have been reported so far by the authorities; however, the exact extent of the damage done in the disaster is unclear because of darkness and rapid current of the flood. It is confirmed that some buildings have been destroyed.
Floodwaters Damage Infrastructure for Bridges and Roads
The floods are also believed to have caused significant infrastructure damage.
Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) reports that the two Bailey bridges may have been destroyed by the floodwaters. Bailey bridges are portable structures consisting of pre-made parts that provide temporary transport routes.
Portions of the road leading to Laya village, which features the hot springs, have sustained considerable damage and become impassable. The road is officially closed.
The authorities continue to investigate the situation, with concerns that a large artificial lake may form in the nearby vicinity due to merging the water bodies affected by the flooding after the Shintaphu lake has collapsed.
If that occurs, there may be an even higher flood risk for surrounding areas.
Residents Urged to Follow Precautions
Villages located along Mochhu and Punatsangchhu river valleys are asked to remain vigilant. The villagers are told to avoid river molasses and flood-prone territories while the authorities track the development of the situation.
The repercussions of the incident may also affect regions outside Bhutan. According to reports, flood warnings have been placed on the territories of West Bengal and Assam, which are located in the adjacent India due to the glacial lake collapse.
A Popular Tourist Destination Struck Again
Gasa Tshachu is one of Bhutan’s most famous tourist places, which attracts large amounts of people with its natural hot springs among the snowy hills of the Himalayas.
However, it is not the first time the place has fallen victim to a disaster. In 2021, flash floods damaged Gasa Tshachu because of the changed course of the Mochhu River, which covered the whole hot springs territory.
This recent incident has raised concerns over the susceptibility of mountain communities and tourist infrastructure to sudden floods due to glacial lakes. For now, the authorities need to determine the extent of the damage and work on the restoration of access if possible.
