Nearly 50 households in different Gewogs of Tsirang wait for insurance claims after their houses reportedly sustained minor cracks from last month’s earthquake in India.
A part of wall of Phurba Tamang’s house in Patshaling Gewog collapsed when Bhutan felt strong tremor from the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Indian state of Assam.
They have been staying with their relatives since then. “We don’t have money to build a new house. To build a new house, we need to dismantle the existing one, for which we do not have the money and resources.” Phurba Tamang said if he was to build a house, summer is not the right time.
Phurba Tamang has approached insurance company for help, but has not heard anything yet.
The dzongkhag’s Disaster Focal Person, Sonam Phuntsho said the dzongkhag disaster management committee works closely with Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. “If a property is insured and is damaged in a disaster, it is the responsibility of RICBL to pay back.”
The insurance company is currently assessing the extent of the damage. The affected will be paid after completion of the assessment.
