The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has assured immediate reconstruction efforts for the gewogs affected by the recent flooding in Chhukha. The district was among the hardest hit by last week’s continuous rainfall, which washed away five bridges connecting remote communities. The Infrastructure and Transport Minister visited the affected gewogs yesterday.
The loss of bridges across Chhukha has left many communities disconnected. Five bridges, Getanachu, Pachu-Lingden, Chiyuel-Pangserla, Tomichu, and Melungpa, have been completely washed away.
“The magnitude of the disaster is huge. From the four bridges here, we lost three. Today, the MoIT minister visited the sites for assessment. He has committed to supporting the reconstruction works as soon as possible,” said Tham Bdr Rai, Logchina Gup, Chhukha.
Three teams from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport are currently visiting the affected areas across the southern districts to assess the damage.
“In the aftermath of such a major disaster, our ministry has formed three groups, one with me, one with the Secretary, and another with the Director General. The teams also include bridge experts. It has been about four days since we started travelling around,” said Chandra Bahadur Gurung, Infrastructure and Transport Minister.
The minister also said that efforts are underway to restore connectivity to Denchukha in Samtse through Phuentshogling, which shares a close border. However, the Pachu-Lingden Bailey Bridge along this route has also been washed away, further complicating relief and reconstruction efforts
“Samtse Denchukha has been completely cut off. So, we are working to connect through Phuentshogling Gewog. However, the Pachu-Lingden Bailey Bridge at Serena has also been washed away. The disaster has severely affected our people. And now for us to connect Denchukha through Phuentshogling, we have to first construct this bridge urgently,” added the MoIT Minister.
The team also assessed the Hatigar Bridge, now the only standing bridge providing access to four gewogs in Chhukha.
The officials said there is no major damage to the bridge.
Meanwhile, several other remaining bridges in the district have also sustained damages.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Phub Gyem
