A year after devastating floods struck Dechencholing, residents continue to live with the trauma of the disaster that upended lives and livelihoods. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday afternoon a year ago, the tranquility of Dechencholing was shattered by an unprecedented flood that left destruction in its wake. The sudden and silent deluge, unlike anything in recorded history, caught residents off guard, leaving them with no time to save their possessions. The flood’s aftermath has etched a deep scar in the hearts and minds of the community.
Langa Tshering, a 39-year-old scrap dealer from Trashiyangtse who has called Dechencholing home since 2009, had just returned from collecting scrap when he heard the ominous sounds of the approaching flood. “The flood was unlike anything we’ve seen before,” he recounted. “It was fortunate it happened during the day. Had it been at night, the outcome could have been far worse.” Despite his own minor injuries, Tshering was unable to save a neighbor who was swept away by the raging waters.
The flood wreaked havoc on local construction projects, damaging four sites and around ten buildings.
As monsoon season returns, communities across the country are once again on high alert, demanding reassurance from authorities on the measures being taken to avert similar catastrophes.
In response, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen national disaster preparedness, particularly for flood-prone areas. According to ministry officials, efforts are underway to enhance logistics, ensure critical service continuity, and establish robust response protocols.
In terms of logistics and emergency readiness, the Ministry is currently focused on preparing key areas such as shelter, water and sanitation, air transport, and traffic management. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have already been finalized for Thimphu, complete with identified focal persons and trained volunteers.
“For other districts, draft SOPs are in place, and efforts are ongoing to establish stockpiling centers for critical supplies,” said the media focal from the Ministry. These centers are expected to become operational within the current fiscal year.
“Starting next fiscal year, the Ministry plans to procure and stockpile emergency items at strategic locations across the country to improve response time during disasters,” he added.
To ensure a swift response during emergencies, SOPs specific to restoration of essential services—including roads, bridges, shelter, and water—have been developed for Thimphu.
“Once tested through a simulation exercise led by the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), these SOPs will be replicated in other regions.”
A significant milestone in preparedness is the development of an Emergency Shelter Preparedness Dashboard by the Department of Human Settlement. According to the Ministry, the dashboard maps all designated evacuation centers across Bhutan and inventories the existing disaster preparedness items. This tool, created in collaboration with Local Governments, aims to provide real-time data and improve coordination during emergencies.
To address the recurring threat of floods, the Ministry has been developing flood management plans for high-risk areas and handing them over to the respective Local Governments for implementation. These plans include tailored flood adaptation measures for vulnerable localities.
For instance, the Flood Management Plan for Thimphu Thromde has already been drafted and handed over to Thimphu Thromde. “The Ministry stands ready to provide technical assistance during the implementation phase, ensuring the adaptation measures are effectively carried out,” the official reiterated.
While last year’s disaster in Dechencholing serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities, the Ministry’s comprehensive approach this monsoon season offers a measure of reassurance.
“Although what’s done cannot be undone, the community’s strength in the face of devastation is apparently resolute in an unparalleled manner just like the gushing floodwaters which swept through the neighbourhood,” an observer recounts his harrowing experiences.
Meanwhile, the united front of private, government, and community stakeholders emerged right after the disaster in Dechencholing, working together to heal the town’s wounds and restore its beauty. This collective effort highlights the essential role of solidarity and resilience in overcoming tragedy and rebuilding a community.
The official asserted that through institutional coordination, strategic stockpiling, and improved early response systems, Bhutan aims to minimize future disruptions and protect the lives and livelihoods of its people.
Tashi Namgyal from Thimphu
