October 04: Debris from landslides has reportedly blocked a stream at Ghansgari in Thotney, north of Pagli in Samtse, forming an artificial lake. The site is about five hours walk from Uttarey in Pagli.

A team of officials from the Dzongkhag administration went to investigate the artificial lake on Thursday.

Dorji Wangdi, the Dzongkhag Environment Officer was one of the team members. He said the lake was formed in July this year after a massive landslide at the base of Thotney Dangra blocked the route of two streams.

According to the team members, the lake is 95 metres long, 60 metres wide and seven metres deep.

They said there are possibilities of further landslides in the same area due to excessive underground water seepage. This, they said could lead to the formation of other artificial lakes.

The team told BBS that the accumulated water should be drained out at the earliest possible. They said if the lake bursts, it would pose a threat to some seven households downstream.

Meanwhile, a six member team comprising of officials from the Hydro Meteorological Division of the Department of Energy and Engineering Geologists Division of the Department of Geology and Mines are at the site currently.

They are assessing the severity of the situation and risks of the lake bursting open.

The Director General of the Department of Energy said they tried to contact the team but have not been able to do so due to communication problems.

The Director General said the details can be known only after the team arrives back.