Responding to Radhi_Sakteng MP’s question in the National Assembly today on how prepared the country is for natural disasters, the home affairs minister assured that comprehensive disaster management and contingency plans are already in place to coordinate and address such challenges effectively. The minister further added that a specialised earthquake contingency plan for Thimphu is currently under development to ensure enhanced preparedness and response.
Citing the last major earthquake Bhutan faced in the 18th century, Radhi_Sakteng MP Tashi Tenzin said studies indicate that Bhutan can be hit by a major earthquake anytime.
He added that massive loss and damage were caused by the 2009 Na-Rang earthquake in Monggar. He said that there is a need for the country to be prepared for disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, forest fires and floods.
“The earthquake that struck Na-Rang had a magnitude of 6.1. According to research, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 would be 730 times powerful than the one that hit Na-Rang. So, what steps is the Ministry of Home Affairs taking to raise awareness, reduce the impact of such events, and enhance preparedness?”, questioned Tashi Tenzin, Radhi_Sakteng’s MP.
In response, Home Affairs Minister Tshering said that contingency plans have already been prepared.
“The National Disaster Response Coordination Committee has prepared a contingency plan as a preparedness measure in case of an earthquake in Thimphu. The plan is ready and we will forward it to the cabinet for approval.”
He also said the construction of a National Emergency Operations Centre, which is considered critical globally has been approved. He added that a site for the centre has been identified at Lungtenphu in Thimphu. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the flooding in Dechencholing earlier this year, he emphasised the importance of such centres in improving disaster response. He also highlighted the need to build the capacity of district and thromde disaster management focal persons.
“We need to train and enhance the capability of natural disaster representatives. Therefore, we are training a natural disaster representative each from 20 districts and four representatives from thromdes in Phuentsholing.” The home affairs minister added that they are currently being trained for two weeks on how to face and overcome natural disasters.
As part of capacity building and training in disaster risk management, the minister mentioned that facilities such as the Search and Rescue Training Centre at Tashi Gatshel in Chhukha, have been established.
The minister said the centre has already trained over 400 individuals, including members of the armed forces and Desuups.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Kipchu
