Heavy Rainfall Triggers Flood and Destruction Across Samtse

Days of relentless rainfall on October 4 and 5 have caused extensive flooding and destruction across several gewogs in Samtse, severely impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock. A First Information Report (FIR) compiled by the Dzongkhag Disaster Management Team paints a grim picture, highlighting washed-out bridges, blocked roads, and widespread losses for local communities.
According to the report, four Bailey bridges, three Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) or culvert bridges, and three suspension bridges were completely swept away by swollen rivers and flash floods. Road networks were also heavily affected.
A major blockage along the national highway between Norbugang and Ugyentse Gewogs at Chumpathang temporarily halted traffic. The route has since been cleared, and a bypass road has been constructed at Jitti toward Tashicholing (Sipsoo) from Samtse, allowing partial movement.
However, connectivity remains a challenge in several pockets. While all gewog centers except Duenchukha are now accessible, 66 farm roads have sustained damage of varying degrees. Restoration works are currently underway.
Farmers have been hit hard by the floods. Preliminary assessments show that six irrigation channels were destroyed and about four acres of crops washed away. The disaster also led to the death of around 330 livestock, including cattle, pigs, and goats, due to floods and landslides.
Officials say total losses are still being compiled, and field verification is ongoing.
In response to the crisis, authorities deployed helicopter services to evacuate stranded individuals and transport essential supplies. Emergency deliveries of animal feed were made to affected dairy, poultry, and piggery farms.
Although road clearance efforts are progressing, some remote settlements remain cut off. Restoration of farm roads and secondary blockages is ongoing.
Officials clarified that there is currently no direct compensation mechanism for affected farmers who lost livestock or crops. “We are exploring possible means of support,” one official said, noting that the situation is still evolving.
Power supply disruptions and communication network outages continue to affect several parts of the district, hampering coordination and relief efforts.
Local authorities have stressed the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and contingency planning, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Sangay Rabten
From Thimphu