(Update): Life in Samtse has returned to normal after a windstorm on May 11 left a trail of destruction. Restoration works that began immediately are now complete. A total of 96 households were damaged by the windstorm. Out of it, roofs of 27 households were completely blown away while the rest were damaged partially.
The Samtse hospital was worst hit the windstorm. Roofs of the wards and other parts of the hospital were blown away. Patients were immediately shifted to the tuberculosis ward. Today, nearly two weeks after the storm, the hospital has been re-roofed and painted.
The patients, about 19 of them, were also shifted back to their respective wards on Tuesday. Restoration works of other affected structures like the residence of Samtse Lam Neten and the monks are also complete.
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“Within five and a half days we could restore the hospital and put it back into normal operations. It has been restored in totality, if not better than the previous one. This has been possible mainly due to the dedication and service rendered by the RBA personnel from wing V and VIII,” said the Dzongdag, Karma Weezir, adding that he would like to thank all those who were involved in the rescue operations.
And the houses affected by the windstorm were also assessed for insurance claims. “In coordination with the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan, the Gewog administration formed a committee and then submitted the insurance assessment to RICB head office. We hope that the claims of those affected would be provided soon,” said Sonam Norbu, Chairman of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
From 15 Gewogs under the dzongkhag, Samtse, Phuntshopelri and Norbugang Gewogs were affected by the windstorm. The storm had also disrupted electricity supply and damaged crops.
