Many people were trapped after the Dungsamchu in Samdrup Jongkhar broke its bank and flooded the Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) premise and truck parking at 8:30 am today. Women and Children trapped in the flood had to be carried to safety. The police, Dzongkhag and the Thromde officials took about an hour to complete the rescue operation. The flood water reaching up to the waist made the rescue operation difficult.
Heavy rainfall during the night and this morning had fed the river, increasing its volumes, causing the river to break its bank. The river also caused destruction to properties two weeks ago.
The people living in Samdrup Jongkhar town say they fear for the worst every time it rains.
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The trucks, buses and other vehicles were also moved from the flooded area. Public transport buses from Samdrup Jongkhar to other eastern Dzongkhags were cancelled due to road blocks at various places along the highway.
Students of Samdrup Jongkhar Primary School who were supposed to sit for their midterm exam were asked to go back home in the morning fearing that the suspension bridge leading to the school could prove unsafe if the rain continued during the day.
The Thromde office has been reminding the public to stay alert and move to higher and safer ground should the river volume rise because of rain.
