With a stream, that is known for causing flash-floods, flowing right through the core of the town, the residents of Trashi Yangtse town want flood warning siren near the Serkang stream. And the need for such a facility was felt even more following the flash-flood in August that claimed lives of three students.
Tongbrak, a cliff situated above the town is the source of Serkang stream.
The stream can appear small currently. But it is unpredictable. It swells even during sunny days at times posing risks to the households residing along the stream.
The town’s residents said the stream caused a flash-flood a few years ago as well. But they said it was not as damaging as the one which occurred in August this year.
“I came out as soon as I heard some unusual sound and saw huge rock like structure rolling downwards from the mountains. It took me a while to realise that it was flood. Then I called and alerted my relatives in town to evacuate,” Tshering Youden, a resident above the town recollects the memory of the flash-flood that occurred in August this year.
“The flood, last time, occurred during the day. So, we could escape to safer sites. But had it happened during the night, it would have been risky. Moreover, the retaining wall saved the town from flooding. I feel we need early flood warning system to be on the safer side,” said Tashi Lhamo, a resident of Trashi Yangtse.
“We have to stay in constant fear of a flash-flood not just during rainy season but even when the weather is fair. Last time, the walls saved us,” said Dema Cheki, another resident of the town.
Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag Administration has spent more than sixteen million ngultrum in flood mitigation works. The dzongkhag constructed the retaining walls in 2017 and there are plans to construct walls in the rest of the area along the stream including at another stream called Berzamchhu.
Trashi Yangtse Dzongda Baburam Sherpa said the dzongkhag will also look into the possibility of installing flood siren. “The stream is small but it is dangerous. It also took lives of people. As the stream flow through the core town area, we are looking for alternatives to keep people and the town safe as far as possible.”
Meanwhile, the dzongkhag, for now, is planning to send experts to the source to examine the cause of flood. This, the Dzongda, said will help the dzongkhag in carrying out flood mitigation works.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
