Arya News - No human casualties have been reported, the floodwaters completely washed away facilities at Gasa Tshachu, damaged sections of the Punakha-Gasa Secondary National Highway and the Gasa-Laya road, and swept away a Bailey bridge in Punakha.
PUNAKHA – A glacial lake outburst flood from Shintaphu Tsho in Lungo Chiwog, Laya, on the night of October 29 triggered flooding along the Mochhu, causing damage to roads, bridges and public infrastructure in Gasa and Punakha.
Although no human casualties have been reported, the floodwaters completely washed away facilities at Gasa Tshachu, damaged sections of the Punakha–Gasa Secondary National Highway and the Gasa–Laya road, and swept away a Bailey bridge in Punakha.
The floodwaters reached Taktsemakhang at around 8:15pm on October 29.
Authorities said they could not immediately assess the volume of water due to darkness, although the sound of the rushing water suggested a significant outburst. As an immediate precautionary measure, Royal Bhutan Army personnel stationed at Taktsemakhang, officials at the project office and people at Gasa Tshachu were instructed to evacuate to safer locations. Authorities also alerted neighbouring dzongkhags and downstream communities to the potential danger.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment Namgyel Dorji, who has been in Punakha since the night of October 29, is monitoring the situation and assessing the damage caused by the flooding.
Artificial lake poses fresh flood threat
Even as authorities assess the damage, concerns have emerged over a large artificial lake formed near Taktsemakhang, at the confluence of the flood-affected river channels, following the outburst.
The accumulation of water has raised fears of another sudden outburst, which could trigger further flooding in downstream areas.
The National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), together with relevant agencies, is continuously monitoring the lake and the evolving situation.
The Prime Minister is in Laya to assess the artificial lake at Taktsemakhang.
Residents along the Mochhu and Punatsangchhu river valleys have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
As a precautionary measure, Punakha Dzong has been temporarily closed to all visitors and tourists from October 30 until further notice. Authorities said the closure was necessary to ensure public safety amid the continuing risk of flooding.
Gasa Tshachu washed away
Gasa Tshachu, one of the country’s popular hot spring destinations, has suffered extensive destruction, with almost all its public facilities washed away by the floodwaters.
According to a preliminary damage assessment by Gasa Dzongkhag, the flood swept away the hot spring’s water source, two public soaking ponds, VIP and VVIP soaking ponds, a children’s soaking pond and a newly constructed hot stone bathhouse.
Other damaged facilities include the resting area, public toilets, canopies, two changing rooms, a sales counter, a parking area and a toilet near the Royal Guest House.
Approximately 350 metres of the road leading to the hot spring have also been washed away.
The Royal Guest House and D-Type Guest House have been identified as structures at potential risk.
Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties were reported at the hot spring, as the area had been evacuated before the floodwaters arrived.
This is the second major flood-related destruction of Gasa Tshachu in five years. On August 26, 2021, a major flash flood devastated the hot spring after the swollen Mochhu changed course towards the facility.
Roads and bridge damaged
The flooding has also severely disrupted road connectivity in Gasa and Punakha.
The Punakha–Gasa Secondary National Highway remains closed following roadblocks at chainages 1km and 2km.
Traffic along the Gasa–Laya road has also come to a complete standstill due to roadblocks at chainages 21km and 22km.
At Taktsemakhang, the flood damaged a newly constructed public washroom, a storeroom belonging to the Royal Bhutan Army camp and a section of the Gasa–Laya road approximately 21km from Gasa.
Several structures at the Army camp were also affected.
In Punakha, the Bailey bridge connecting Kabjisa Gewog and Bali Chiwog was washed away by the floodwaters.
Constructed in 2022 at a cost of more than Nu 20 million with support from the Government of India, the bridge served communities in Yebisa and Bhalue chiwogs under Chhubu Gewog.
The flooding also partially damaged the solar-powered lift irrigation facility in Dochhukha–Dzomlingthang–Ritsa Chiwog under Guma Gewog, Punakha.
The Dzomlingthang Recreational Park sustained damage, with floodwaters depositing large quantities of debris across the park.
Floodwaters also deposited large quantities of debris along the Punakha–Gasa highway, including in the Zomlingthang area, affecting vehicular movement. The Department of Surface Transport has deployed personnel and heavy machinery to the affected locations to clear debris and restore road connectivity.
However, authorities said the time required to reopen the roads would depend on prevailing weather conditions. Continuous rainfall and ongoing landslide activity could delay clearance operations.
Motorists and commuters have been advised to exercise caution and follow official road updates.
Hydropower plants monitored
The flood also prompted precautionary measures at the Punatsangchhu hydropower projects. Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (PHPA-I) was monitored throughout the night, with no damage reported so far.
Meanwhile, all generating units at Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHPA-II) were shut down as a precautionary measure.All intake gates and the tailrace tunnel (TRT) gate were also closed. Following an inspection on October 30, preparations were underway to restart the generating units.
In Wangdue, the situation remained largely normal, although two boats belonging to the Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited (NRDCL), used for sand extraction, were washed away.
The water level at Wangdue Bridge rose above its usual level, but authorities reported no immediate cause for alarm.
Authorities remain on high alert
With the newly formed artificial lake posing a continuing threat, authorities remain on high alert for possible further flooding.
NCHM and other relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation, while local administrations and emergency response teams continue to assess damage and coordinate precautionary measures.
Residents in vulnerable communities along the Mochhu and Punatsangchhu have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and follow official safety advisories.
Further updates are expected as monitoring and damage assessments continue.
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