Jigmi Wangdi

During the question-and-answer session at the National Assembly yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs outlined the government’s comprehensive plans to reduce disaster risks and enhance emergency response capabilities.

The Member of Parliament for Radhi-Sakteng Constituency, Tashi Tenzin, raised the question on Bhutan’s preparedness for earthquake risks, as well as the country’s overall disaster risk reduction strategies, including the country’s level of understanding of earthquake hazards and its readiness for a potential disaster.

In response, Home Minister Tshering said that the ministry is working towards improving the disaster response in the country, highlighting the fact that the biggest challenge for preparing for disasters is its unpredictability. “It can happen anytime without warning,” Lyonpo shared.

In order to ensure efficient and quick response to disaster emergencies, the ministry has established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

“We had conducted several meetings after the NDMA was instituted. During the 11th meeting, we were able to collectively agree on the National Disaster Response and Coordination Committee (NDRCC) and National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC),” Lyonpo shared.

He added that the NDRCC has formulated a contingency plan of action in case an earthquake may strike any part of the country. He shared that this contingency plan will be submitted to the Cabinet soon.

“The NEOC will also be of significant help to us if a disaster were to strike. We have ensured that the centre has been made to the international standard. We realised how uncoordinated our response was during the Dechencholing flood,” Lyonpo said, adding that the centre will play a pivotal role in organising responses with proper coordination.

Lyonpo emphasised the importance of training disaster response teams to ensure they are equipped to handle any crisis. Currently, 24 disaster management representatives across Bhutan’s 20 dzongkhags and four thromdes are undergoing a two-week training programme on disaster response.

In addition, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team in Tashigatsel has trained nearly 400 individuals in disaster management techniques.

The government is also investing in public education campaigns to raise awareness about disaster preparedness. Lyonpo highlighted that instructional videos and pictorial guides are being developed to educate communities on how to respond during emergencies.