The fuel depot in Tashichhoeling in Samtse has run out of fuel for almost a week. Heavy rain for the past few days made it difficult for fuel tankers to cross the swollen Bhudini river in Samtse.
The bailey bridge over the river cannot hold trucks carrying heavy loads. The fuel depot manager in Tashichhoeling, Mahesh Gurung, said that two fuel tankers managed to get across the Bhudini river, while a tanker and a truck carrying LPG cylinders are still stranded on the other side.
Mahesh added that negotiations were also held with the Dzongkhag officials to bring the tankers via Nagrakarta in India but it was denied since Nagrakarta is in lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic.
Even if the tankers manage to cross the Bhudini river, getting across the Diana river in Norbugang gewog would be another challenge. According to the manager, private individuals are not willing to lend their excavators and with continuous rainfall, it is
not sure when they will be able to get to Tashichhoeling.
“They are trying their best,” he added.
