The Bhutan Red Cross Society opened its first Branch Emergency Operation Centre in Tsirang yesterday, coinciding with Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s birthday. The centre will support the district disaster management committee in coordination, relief efforts and emergency operations during disasters.
The centre is located within the multi-sports hall in Damphu town. The centre is equipped with basic emergency response and first-aid equipment, including communication handsets, stretchers, and headlights, among others.
The initiative follows the recent launch of the branch disaster response team during the organisation’s 10th anniversary.
“The dzongkhag can benefit in terms of provision of relief items, given that at the moment Bhutan Red Cross Society, with great directives from the office of His Majesty’s Secretariat, we are coordinating to ensure some relief packages that would complement the Kidu relief welfare support from His Majesty,” said Dragyel Tenzin Dorjee, Secretary General, Bhutan Red Cross Society.
“The dzongkhag and gewog administrations have always responded to emergencies and disasters to the best of our abilities. However, during major natural disasters, it can be challenging to reach all affected areas immediately. We are confident that the Bhutan Red Cross Society’s members in the district will greatly benefit both the dzongkhag and gewog administrations through the establishment of this centre,” said Sonam, Tsirang Dzongda.
“Given the great vision of His Majesty The King for the Gelephu Mindfulness City with the diamond strategy, we take this opportunity to as Tsirang being one of the nearest dzongkhags to Gelephu Mindfulness City. It is our responsibility also to complement the vision of His Majesty, and to ensure further community resilience development,” said Dragyel Tenzin Dorjee, Secretary General, Bhutan Red Cross Society.
The Bhutan Red Cross Society plans to establish similar centres across the country between 2026 and 2030.
Established under the Bhutan Red Cross Society Act 2016, the Bhutan Red Cross Society plays a complementary humanitarian role in strengthening resilience and supporting disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and community wellbeing across the country.
It currently has over 8,000 volunteers and members nationwide. Tsirang alone has over 300 registered members.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
