Just as the restoration and reconstruction works were about to complete after April 4 windstorm, another windstorm hit Samtse last evening. The storm blew away roofs several houses, damaged permanent structures including the Norbugang Lower Secondary School.
According to the Dzongda, Karma Weezir, the windstorm this time affected South-West gewogs the most. As per the preliminary report Norbugang Gewog was hit hard.
The roofs of 12-unit classroom of the Norbugang Lower Secondary School were completely blown-off. The vice-principal’s office, health and counselling rooms were also damage.
Our reporter, Sonam Phuntsho, said the ceilings of the classrooms, in some cases, were about to fall any minute and some classrooms were filled with rain water. The Dzongkhag and gewog officials, together with teachers and villagers, cleared the debris, which were strewn all over the campus.
The school’s principal, Tshering Gyeltshen, said the school is likely to remain closed for about a week. There are 506 students.
Among others, damages include several houses belonging to the villagers from five gewogs; milk processing unit, RNR Centre and staff quarter in Ugyentse Gewog; and minor damages to Yoeseltse Middle Secondary School.
Relief materials such as tarpaulin and CGI sheets and tents have been dispatched to the affected sites.
