World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
Bhutan works to protect hydropower projects from glacial flood risk
Experts in Bhutan are assessing whether water can be drained from Thorthormi, a glacial lake high in the Himalayas.
A flood from Thorthormi and a nearby lake could threaten two hydropower projects: one operating and one still under construction.
Bhutan is also upgrading its warning system to forecast floods earlier, giving people more time to respond.
The recent floods in neighbouring Nepal and China have renewed concern about risks from glacial lake outbursts, landslides and other hazards.
Hydropower provides 12 to 15 per cent of Bhutan’s GDP, and India is the only country that imports its electricity.
The trade is important to both Bhutan’s economy and its relationship with India, while hydropower projects have also contributed to Bhutan’s debt.
Experts say new projects need more thorough checks for combined hazards before major investments are made.
Bhutan is testing technology at Thorthormi glacial lake to assess whether it can be drained and reduce the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood.
A flood from the Thorthormi and Raphstreng lake complex could threaten the Punatsangchhu-II and Punatsangchhu-I hydropower projects.
Bhutan is also upgrading its early-warning system from flood detection towards forecasting.
The risks matter to Bhutan’s economy and energy trade, as hydropower contributes 12–15 per cent of GDP and India is the sole importer of Bhutanese hydropower.
- Who
- Bhutanese experts, led by glaciologist Karma Toeb, are testing technology at the lake.
- What
- Bhutan is assessing whether Thorthormi glacial lake can be drained to reduce the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026; it does not state when the technology tests began.
- Where
- Thorthormi glacial lake, in Lunana in north-west Bhutan, at 4,500 metres above sea level.
- Why
- A flood from the lake complex could threaten two major hydropower projects and people downstream.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Karma Toeb began visiting Thorthormi glacial lake; the reported inspection was his 32nd visit.
The 1-gigawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project began operating.
Devastating floods in neighbouring Nepal and China damaged hydropower plants and transmission infrastructure; the article does not specify the year.
Bhutan’s electricity exports to India reached BTN 24.3 billion (US$285 million).
- Thorthormi elevation
- 4,500 metres above sea level
- Punatsangchhu-II
- 1 gigawatt; began operating in December 2024
- Punatsangchhu-I
- 1.2 gigawatts; under construction
- Hydropower share of GDP
- 12–15 per cent
- Electricity exports to India in 2025
- BTN 24.3 billion (US$285 million)
What people are saying
The environment is changing so fast
We [Bhutan] are not contributing anything to the impact of climate change, but still we have to face this burden.
to consider a broader range of cascading and compound hazards [in the Himalayan mountains]
more systematic screening for cascading and compound hazards
Sources
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