Waters from the burst lake struck the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs, a prominent tourist site that previously endured flood damage in 2021. Darkness and forceful torrents initially obscured the total destruction, but officials confirmed that an impassable road section cut off access to Laya village indefinitely. Authorities also shut down the historic Punakha Dzong until further notice to protect the public. The disaster follows an August flash flood in neighboring Nepal that left thousands dead and missing.
Key points
Prior evacuations of the targeted area successfully prevented any human injuries or loss…: Prior evacuations of the targeted area successfully prevented any human injuries or loss of life.
Authorities closed the historic Punakha Dzong until further notice as a safety precaution…: Authorities closed the historic Punakha Dzong until further notice as a safety precaution against the floodwaters.
The disaster follows a deadly August flash flood along Nepal's border with China that kil…: The disaster follows a deadly August flash flood along Nepal's border with China that killed over 1,500 people.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
KATHMANDU: A flood caused by the Shintaphu glacial lake bursting its banks has washed away infrastructure at the Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, media reports said on Friday (Oct 30).
No injuries or loss of life have been reported, state broadcaster BBS said.
The hot springs at Gasa Tshachu are a major tourist attraction in the northern part of the country that is nestled between India and China.
BBS reported the extent of damage from the late-night flash flood was not known because of “darkness and the strong flow” of floodwaters. Two bailey bridges - bridges built in portable, pre-fabricated sections - may have been washed away, the broadcaster reported.
It also reported that the historic Punakha Dzong has been closed until further notice "in the interest of public safety".
Gasa Tshachu was also hit by a flash flood in 2021, when the Mochhu River changed course and swept through the area.
Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, said part of the road to Laya village where the springs are located had been washed away, making…
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