The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted very heavy rainfall in the southern parts of the country in the next two days. The centre is urging the people in the south to be on high alert as there could be riverine floods, flash floods and landslides due to the poor weather.
The centre is cautioning all the districts in the south to be careful for the next one week.
The ten districts include Samtse, Chhukha, Dagana, Sarpang, Tsirang, Zhemgang, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Monggar and Trashigang in the south.
“So, first of all, there is a very active monsoon season these days. So, from the south, there is a lot of rainfall occurring. And also, there is another factor occurring called western disturbances. So, it is the wind system from the west over here that brings rainfall over to Bhutan, especially during the spring season when the monsoon is not yet in Bhutan,” said Dechen Lhamo Gyeltshen, Meteorology Officer of the NCHM.
But right now, what is happening is, there is a dual occurrence of both of these factors and the interaction between the two is going to cause this heavy rainfall incident. And this is also in agreement with what is being experienced in India, especially North West India where the same phenomena are causing heavy rainfall and flooding,” she further added.
Light to moderate rainfall is being forecast over the Northern parts of the country.
Meanwhile, heavy rains have also been causing havoc in neighbouring countries. In India, several people were killed after the heavy monsoon rain led to flash floods.
“We would advise taking precautions in these areas because downpours of this magnitude could cause flash floods, riverine floods and possible destruction to other vulnerable infrastructures,” said Dechen Lhamo Gyeltshen.
As of yesterday, among the districts in the country, the highest rainfall was recorded in Gelephu.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
