A total of 128 earthquake-related insurance claims have been reported across Bhutan as of June 16, 2026, highlighting the financial toll of the June 7 earthquake on homes, businesses, and other insured properties nationwide.
According to data compiled by Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL), the claims were lodged through its branches and extension offices across the country. Of the total, 115 claims fall under the Standard Fire Insurance scheme, while 13 have been filed under the Rural House Enhancement Insurance scheme.
Four claims were subsequently withdrawn after policyholders determined that the damage sustained was too minor to warrant compensation. One claim was withdrawn in Trashigang and three in Khuruthang.
Khuruthang Extension recorded the highest number of claims, receiving 28 submissions, or nearly 22 percent of all earthquake-related claims nationwide. Of these, 21 were filed under Standard Fire Insurance and seven under the Rural House Enhancement Insurance scheme.
Paro Branch reported the second-highest number of claims with 24, followed by Thimphu Head Office with 20 and Wangduephodrang Branch with 16. Together, these four offices accounted for almost 70 percent of all claims received, indicating that the earthquake’s impact was concentrated largely in western and central Bhutan.
Other offices reporting notable numbers include Mongar and Bumthang extensions with five claims each, while Gelephu Branch and Haa Extension received four claims apiece. Trashigang Extension recorded three claims, while several other offices reported one or two claims.
In contrast, Samtse Extension, Samdrup Jongkhar Extension, Gasa, and Lhuentse reported no earthquake-related insurance claims as of the reporting date.
BIL officials said field inspections and damage assessments have been completed across affected areas, with the quantification of losses now underway.
“All inspections and assessments of the affected sites have been completed, and the claim amounts are currently being worked out. The process will be completed as soon as possible,” a BIL official said.
The claims stem from the magnitude 5.6–5.8 earthquake that struck Bhutan on June 7. The quake occurred at a depth of between 10 and 26 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 18 kilometres north of Thimphu near Punakha. The tremors were felt across the country and in neighbouring regions, including parts of Northeast India, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The main earthquake was followed by several aftershocks ranging between magnitude 2.4 and 2.8.
The concentration of claims in Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Paro, and Thimphu suggest that these areas experienced the most significant property damage. While the full financial cost of the disaster has yet to be determined, the growing number of claims underscores the importance of insurance in helping households, businesses, and property owners recover from natural disasters.
The figures also provide one of the earliest indicators of the economic impact of the earthquake, with claim settlements expected to inject much-needed financial support into affected communities.
As Bhutan’s largest non-life insurer, BIL provides a broad range of insurance services, including motor, fire, engineering, marine, travel, liability, and other commercial insurance products. The company also offers loan and private provident fund services to individuals, businesses, and small and medium enterprises.
With claim assessments nearing completion, the insurance sector is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting recovery efforts, rebuilding damaged properties, and reducing the financial burden on affected families and businesses following one of Bhutan’s most significant seismic events in recent years.
Sangay Rabten, Thimphu
