The flash flood yesterday evening at around 5.30 left six families, residing at Bjizam under Nubi Gewog in Trongsa, homeless. The two owners and four tenants of the two huts washed away by the flash flood lost everything. According to a preliminary report from the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, the incessant rainfall at the source of the stream, Chamdey Gangchhu joining Mangdechhu triggered the flood.
Locals say such destructive flood is occurring for the first time in the area.
“Normally such flash floods do not occur here, but yesterday the tributary made an unusual loud sound and flash flood later washed away all the places and properties here. And later an artificial lake is also formed,” said Phub Tshewang, from Bjizam under Nubi Gewog in Trongsa.
“My husband called me and told us to run as there was an unusual sound of the water from the above places. And as I checked out, I saw a mixture of huge trees and stones which took away the bridge in a while,” added Tshering Dema.
While some witnessed the first flash flood in their area, some fought for their lives and helplessly saw their worldly belongings being washed away by the flood.
“I struggled to escape from the flood but luckily I was rescued by a group of brothers. I lost everything. Even a cloth which I am wearing right now is given by others,” shared Matey Maya Rai, a tenant who lost everything to the flood.
“A lady was stuck inside the house. But we managed to rescue her, however, her home and all are taken away,” said Jamba Yeshey, from Bjizam.
“I couldn’t even get my mobile phone. Except for some clothes, I lost everything to the flood,” said Ram Badhur, a tenant of the hut which was washed away.
Debris buried 11 decimal land of one of the house owners. His shop was also washed away by the flood.
“I have land ownership certificate but it was also washed away. Now I am worried as to where to live and stay. I would be grateful if the government could provide help to me,” said Suk Bhadur Rai, who owns one of the huts washed away by the flood.
The District Kidu office delivered His Majesty’s Royal Semso to all the affected families and arranged all necessary supports.
Meanwhile, an artificial lake or landslide dam was formed in the reservoir of the Mangdechhu Hydropower, today after the flow of the main river was clogged for about a 500-metre stretch. The monitoring station, Automatic Weather Station at Bjizam is also submerged in the water.
“When the flood occurred at once, the Mangdechhu was blocked. So, even the trees, which were of 15 to 16 peoples height tall, were all underwater now. Therefore it is worrisome if more boulders block the Mangdechhu,” said Sonam, from Bjizam.
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydropower plant is also scouring the Dam today to maintain the safety of the floodgates and machines. People residing along the river are cautioned of the danger in case of the outburst of the clogged river.
Passang
