A windstorm and heavy rainfall this morning damaged acres of crops in Karmaling Gewog in Dagana. The disaster which occurred at about 2 AM also damaged the roofing of several houses. However, there is no report of any causalities.
The windstorm with heavy rainfall which lasted for about 45 minutes damaged several acres of maize fields and areca nut plants in Karmaling, Senchumthang, Labtsakha and Omchhu chiwogs in Karmaling Gewog. Farmers in the gewog grow maize on acres of land for self-consumption.
The windstorm also damaged some vacant poultry farms and collapsed a mega greenhouse to the ground in Karmaling chiwog. The greenhouse was constructed last year as a part of the government’s National Economic Contingency Plan for agriculture.
“The windstorm was very strong and unusual. I was shocked since it has damaged both sheds of my poultry farm. We never had such a strong windstorm in the past,” said Nima Wangyel Sherpa from Karmaling in Dagana.
Meanwhile, the gewog disaster management team started assessing the damages to the crops and properties this morning.
“The gewog administration has deployed assessment teams in all the affected areas but we couldn’t complete the assessment. The gewog has provided immediate support to some while carrying out the assessment. And we will seek support from the Lhamoi Dzingkha Dungkhag and district administration if we need help,” said Pema Norbu Sherpa, the Karmaling Gup.
Falling trees triggered by the windstorm blocked the gewog centre road at six different locations. The gup said the block is now cleared for commuters.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Phub Gyem
