Sherab Lhamo

The country will experience cloudy weather with light rain over the next few days, shows the forecast from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over the southern, eastern, and isolated places of central parts of the country from today to tomorrow. From August 15 to 16, the country will experience mostly cloudy weather with light rain, with moderate rainfall over southwestern parts of the country.

The Department of Surface Transport reported 18 roadblocks—12 on Primary National Highways (PNH) and six along the Secondary National Highways in just 24 hours. Major blocks were reported in the eastern and southern parts of Bhutan, mostly in Sarpang, Zhemgang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar, and Wangdue.

The department has advised commuters to avoid travelling on the box cut slide area along the Gelephu-Trongsa highway during rainfall in the evening or night. 

“There is also a high risk of vehicles getting stuck in the middle of the road when slides are active with continuous debris flow and falling boulders,” the advisory on the department’s social media page reads.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a public cautionary note on PMO’s social media page advising people to avoid taking any risks and making unnecessary travels as the incessant rain has caused roadblocks in many parts of the country. “There is a risk of landslides and flooding.”

The PM’s office also asked people to inform the authorities if they sense any threat from the incessant rain.