South Lhonak Lake Outburst Causes Teesta Surge in Sikkim
South Lhonak Lake Outburst Causes Teesta Surge in Sikkim
IN · Published Aug 31, 2026
In October 2023, the South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim experienced a glacial lake outburst, sending a massive surge through the Teesta River.
The event caused significant damage, including the destruction of bridges, damage to National Highway-10, and severe impacts in Chungthang.

Impact & Risks

The outburst led to widespread destruction in North Sikkim, with critical infrastructure such as bridges and highways being washed away. The damage to NH-10 disrupted transportation and connectivity in the region, affecting local communities and businesses. The surge also poses risks to downstream areas, including potential flooding and further infrastructure damage. The event serves as a warning for Eastern Himalayan regions, which are prone to similar hazards due to the presence of glacial lakes and changing climatic conditions.

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