Preliminary Report on 4th and 17th April 2015 Windstorm

Introduction:
Bhutan is prone to various hazards. Every year it experiences various disasters of varying degrees. The frequency and intensity of the disasters are growing yearly due to impact of climate change. Of various Disasters, the windstorm is the recurrent phenomenon that affects Bhutan. The windstorm normally starts from the month of mid-November until end of May every year. On 4th and 17th April, 2015 the devastating windstorm has hit Bhutan. The windstorm has swept across nine Districts Viz; Chukha, Dagana, Pemagatsel, S/jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Trashigang, Tsirang and Zhemgang. Although the windstorm has not claimed any human life, it has inflicted injuries to few people and massive destruction to private properties and public facilities.

Extent of Damages:
The windstorm has hit nine of the twenty districts. The hardest hit was the Dagana followed by Chukha, Samtse, Pemagatshel, Tsirang and S/jongkhar. The least damages were reported in Sarpang, Zhemgang and Trashigang. As per the preliminary report received from the affected Dzongkhags, the 4th April windstorm has damaged in total 989 structures; 883 homes, 91 Government Structures and 15 public infrastructures in 52 Gewogs of the nine districts and the 17th April, 2015 windstorm has has damaged 67 structures;consisting of rural homes, education facilities, RNR centers and a milk processing unit in Samtse Dzongkhag. The most of the damages inflicted were on the roofs. Some of the damages were quite severe beyond repairable. Apart from the structural damages, cash crops like potatoes, wheat, and cardamom were also reported damaged in Bongo, Chukha district. Three persons, one in Dagana and two in Darla, Chukha were injured while a cow in Chukha and four Calves in Sarpang were killed.

Action Taken:
The affected Dzongkhag Administrations in close coordination with the Gewog Administrations have immediately deployed the response teams to the affected sites to render all required support to the affected families. The Dzongkhag and Gewog Administrations have coordinated with the relevant stakeholders for their support. The Dzongkhag Administrations have deputed the Assessment Teams to assess the damaged situations and do needs assessment in the affected sites. As an immediate relief measure tarpaulin sheets were issued on need basis to needy families. The Dzongkhag Assessment Teams were still at sites carrying out detailed assessments for taking further course of actions.

For detail information please call 321792

Preliminary Report can be downloaded:
Abstract Windstorm Report
Detail Windstorm Report
Detail Windstorm Report(17th April)