Hundreds of people living downstream of Mochhu in Punakha and Wangduephodrang were evacuated after a lake outburst was reported in Laya under Gasa at 6:30 PM, today.
Even though the flood-water is said to have receded, the Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay cautions people not to go back until the Department of Disaster Management declares it safe to do so and not at least before dawn. He says there are chances of multiple flash-floods which could be caused by the debris blocking rivers and forming dams even though the flood sirens have been turned off.
Water level in Tashithang almost touched 10 meters, which otherwise would have automatically triggered the sirens, said home minister, Damcho Dorji. “However, as a precaution, the sirens were triggered manually.”
The Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, who was monitoring the situation, said flood water did not reach the alarm-level. “Besides lot of debris, it has not caused any damages.”
The Prime Minister also says Gasa Hot Spring is not flooded but is covered in debris and mud. However, he says the spring is safe.
The Prime Minister says the government will continue to monitor the situation.
