Residents of Mendrelgang village in Pema Gatshel have received much-needed support to move to a safer site during rainy days. Seven households residing in a high landslide-prone area received CGI sheets to construct relief camps. The camp is ready, easing the residents’ fear of losing their lives to landslide.
The officials from the Dungkhag and Gewog visited the site to assess the risks to people settling in the village.
Following the assessment, seven households were immediately provided with the CGI sheets to construct temporary sheds for emergency purposes.
Villagers constructed the relief camp near the community Lhakhang.
Now, they can move into the relief camp with their belongings whenever there is heavy rainfall.
“It is a relief to have a place to sleep when it rains at night even if we cannot bring our belongings,” said Lungten Norbu, a resident.
“We were worried about getting washed away by landslide. We are provided with this by the government. So, we feel very relieved now,” said Neten Zangpo, another resident.
However, the villagers are requesting for water and electricity supply to the relief camp at the earliest.
“If there is no water, we cannot maintain hygiene. So, if we are provided water supply and electricity connection very soon, we would be thankful,” said Tashi Norbu, a resident.
“Water won’t be a huge issue like electricity. So, we would be grateful if the government can provide us with electricity,” said Karma Drakpa, another resident.
The Gewog Administration has already submitted a letter to the Bhutan Power Corporation office in Nganglam to install power lines for the camps as soon as possible.
At the same time, gewog says it will also issue wires and other appliances for internal wiring. Landslides in Mendrelgang village in the past damaged more than 20 acres of private land and posed serious risks to seven households.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
