Perilous Peaks: Lunana’s Relocation Saga Amidst Glacial Lake Threat

Nestled beneath the towering peaks overlooking Thorthomi Lake, the tranquil highland communities of Thangza and Toenchoe chiwogs in Lunana have long harbored a silent dread—the looming specter of another catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). Their fears, etched in the collective memory of the devastating 1994 deluge, have driven them to seek refuge higher up in the mountains every summer, abandoning their homes to the unpredictable whims of nature.

This year, however, a beacon of hope shines upon them. Nearly 80 households from Thangza and Toenchoe are preparing for a permanent relocation to safer grounds—a prospect that promises to transform their lives from one of perpetual displacement to stability.

Currently, these resilient villagers dwell in temporary tents scattered across Damthangkha, Bayza-Gangjuk, and Dungbiteng, perched a few kilometers above their ancestral lands. These areas, once fertile tsamdro pasturelands, now serve as a temporary sanctuary provided by the state.

Amidst the flurry of activity, essential infrastructure projects are underway: drinking water systems, sanitation facilities, and demarcation of plots, ensuring each household receives a designated 10 decimal land plot. This coordinated effort, spearheaded by the Gasa dzongkhag and gewog administrations, follows expert recommendations from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) in response to recent GLOF events.

“The decision to relocate was imperative,” affirms Lunana Gup, Kaka. “Despite our early warning systems, the proximity to Thorthomi leaves us vulnerable. Swift evacuation in case of a flood was almost impossible.”

For the semi-nomadic people of Lunana, whose seasonal migrations to higher altitudes are as much a tradition as a necessity, the impending move signifies more than just safety—it symbolizes a secure future. “Finally, we have a place to call our own,” shares Kaka, reflecting on the community’s long-standing struggle for stability.

Yet, challenges loom on the horizon. The construction of permanent homes in their new village, echoing the slow pace witnessed in Thangza and Toenchoe, is expected to span a decade. “Transporting materials, finding labor—these are monumental tasks in the highlands,” Kaka explains. “But we are committed to building a sustainable haven.”

Central to Lunana’s predicament is the menacing presence of Thorthomi Lake, acclaimed as Bhutan’s most perilous glacial reservoir. Situated at a higher altitude than its neighbor, Raphstreng Lake, Thorthomi is separated only by a fragile moraine dam—a natural barrier vulnerable to deterioration. Experts warn that any breach in this dam could unleash a cataclysmic flood, potentially cascading into Raphstreng and amplifying the disaster manifold.

“The moraine dam’s stability is paramount,” asserts Karma from the Cryosphere Services Division. “Its gradual degradation heightens the risk of a GLOF, threatening downstream areas like Punakha with unprecedented flooding.”

A recent NCHM study paints a grim scenario: the combined discharge from Thorthomi and Raphstreng in a worst-case scenario could unleash 53 million cubic meters of water—an event dwarfing the devastating 1994 flood by nearly threefold.

As Lunana prepares to turn a new page in its history, the journey ahead remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, amidst the towering peaks and tranquil lakes, a resilient community finds solace in the promise of a safer tomorrow—a testament to human perseverance in the face of nature’s most formidable tests.

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