A magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck near Punakha last night damaged 404 households across Bhutan. According to the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, the earthquake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, religious monuments and public infrastructure. No fatalities were reported, although one person was injured at a construction site in Lhuentse.
According to the department’s damage assessment report, the earthquake struck at 11:36 PM yesterday, with its epicentre located in Heyloo-Tongshuna Chiwog in Punakha.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said, “The earthquake’s epicentre was located just 20 kilometres beneath Punakha Dzong. If the depth had been around 50-60 kilometres, we would likely not have felt it. But, earthquakes occurring at depths shallower than 20 kilometres are generally considered more dangerous.”
The report identified Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Monggar as the worst-affected districts.
Wangdue Phodrang recorded the highest number of damaged households, with 88 households reporting minor cracks and other damage.
In Punakha, two households sustained major damage, while 73 others reported minor damage. The district also recorded damage to schools and experienced localised power disruptions in some areas.
Mongar was another heavily affected district, with 73 households reporting damage. Two farm roads were blocked, while three rural water supply schemes sustained structural damage, disrupting water services in affected communities.
Besides residential properties, schools and health facilities in several districts also reported damage.
The report further stated that monasteries, lhakhangs and other cultural and religious structures suffered varying degrees of damage. Government offices and public buildings also reported cracks.
Despite the widespread impact, Bhutan Power Corporation reported that the country’s main transmission network remains intact, with all major substations and distribution systems operational.
The report also stated that none of the hydropower projects operated by Druk Green Power Corporation, including those under construction, reported any damage from the earthquake.
The Prime Minister said, “No damage has been reported at hydropower plants or ongoing construction projects. There were also no reports of damage to electric poles, transmission cables, and mobile towers.”
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology reported no abnormal changes in water levels at Thorthormi Lake or any other glacial lakes in Lunana.
Thorthormi Lake in Gasa is one of 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes. Over the years, Bhutan has invested in lake-lowering and risk-reduction measures, supported by continuous monitoring and early warning systems to safeguard downstream communities.
Officials say assessments are continuing as inspection teams verify damage reports from affected areas across the country.
News reports show the last major earthquake within the country was a magnitude 6.1 event that struck near Trashigang in 2009.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sangay Chezom
