Department of Local Governance & Disaster Management

11/09/2026

08/09/2026

Strengthening GLOF Preparedness in Punakha–Wangdue

The GLOF preparedness measures being conducted from 7–8 September 2026 continue the ongoing preparedness efforts and programmes of the Punakha and Wangdue Dzongkhag Administrations and the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with Bhutan Red Cross Society and other local partners.

These efforts are being further strengthened due to the impact of a Super El Niño occurring in 2026 and 2027 which might result in higher temperatures, accelerated glacier melting and an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

GLOF awareness activities and evacuation drills were conducted in vulnerable communities, including Wolathang, Khawa-Jara, Mendagang, Samdingkha, Lorina, Gubji-Tsekha, Khuruthang, Phochu Dumra, Sheydra, Tshokorna, Changyul, Punakha Old Town and Samthang.

Activities include risk awareness, community evacuation team orientation, validation of evacuation routes and safe areas, and basic evacuation drills. The programme supports the National High-Level Task Force’s July 2026 Super El Niño preparedness decisions, with particular focus on GLOF risks from high-altitude glacial lakes such as Thorthormi in Lunana.

Preparatory activities will take place on 9–10 September, followed by the Punakha Dzong GLOF Evacuation Drill on 11 September 2026.

Punakha Dzongkhag AdministrationBhutan Red Cross SocietyMinistry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of BhutanRoyal Bhutan PoliceDe-suung - Guardians of PeaceDzongkhag Administration of WangduephodrangBBSKuenselThe Bhutanese

04/09/2026

Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
Punakha Dzongkhag Administration
Bhutan Red Cross Society

02/09/2026

Finalisation of Punakha Dzongkhag GLOF Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan and Preparation for Mock Drill

The Punakha Dzongkhag GLOF Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and finalized on 2nd September 2026 at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), DLGDM, under the chairmanship of His Nangsid Lyonpo.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dratshang, Punakha Dzongkhag Administration, NCHM, Tensung, DLGDM, and the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development.

The meeting focused on strengthening preparedness and response measures for a potential GLOF, with particular emphasis on saving lives, timely evacuation, protection of sacred relics, communication and early warning, search and rescue capacity and other response services.

The meeting also reviewed the GLOF early warning system, potential risks from glacial lakes, estimated flood lead time, existing preparedness gaps, and the need to strengthen and modernize early warning and response systems.

A key decision was to conduct a mock-up disaster drill at Punakha this month to test and validate the preparedness and response arrangements in practice. The exercise will simulate the evacuation and safeguarding of sacred objects, while also testing communication, coordination, evacuation routes, response roles, and search and rescue arrangements.

The exercise will provide an opportunity to identify gaps, clarify the roles and responsibilities of different responders, and further strengthen the Dzong’s preparedness for a potential GLOF event.

The meeting further emphasized that frequent mock drills and practical preparedness exercises are essential to ensure that plans are not only documented but are understood and can be effectively implemented during an actual emergency.

28/08/2026

21/08/2026

Temporary Shelter: From Emergency Response to Everyday Use

The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), in collaboration with Keio University, Japan, showcased an innovative temporary shelter prototype at Zilukha Secondary School on 21 August 2026.

A team comprising two professors, including Professor Hiroto Kobayashi, and 10 undergraduate architecture students from Keio University visited Bhutan to showcase the innovative temporary shelter concept developed through the Hiroto Kobayashi Laboratory (Koblab).

The prototype, constructed in the school auditorium, demonstrates how a temporary shelter can serve multiple purposes. At Zilukha Middle Secondary School, it will be used as a library during normal times and can also be adapted as an emergency or health room for students when required.

The concept is based on empathetic design and participatory architecture, with an emphasis on community involvement, belonging and ownership. Using affordable plywood veneer boards, digital fabrication and an easy-to-assemble construction system, the approach has potential to be adapted and scaled up for other schools and communities across Bhutan.

Teachers and students of Zilukha Secondary School, officials from DLGDM and DHI, together with the visiting Keio University team, participated in the showcase and construction of the prototype.

This initiative demonstrates that a temporary shelter can be more than an emergency structure it can become a space for learning, care, community and resilience.

Designing for Resilience, Belonging and an Unpredictable Future

29/07/2026

With the risk of a Super El Niño looming, officials are finalising emergency contingency plans to evacuate Punakha Dzong and secure its sacred religious treasures within hours of a flood warning.

https://kuenselonline.com/news/govt-to-finalise-glof-contingency-plan-for-punakha-dzong

27/07/2026

The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS), reviewed the Disaster Management and Contingency Plans (DMCPs) of three educational institutions:
📍 Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law
📍 Gedu College of Business Studies
📍 Arura Academy of Health Sciences
The review focused on strengthening the practicality and effectiveness of the institutions' DMCPs by reassessing hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, and existing coping capacities. Participants worked together to identify and prioritise local hazards, map exposed infrastructure and populations, assess vulnerabilities, and strengthen response planning through interactive group exercises.
The review concluded with an agreement that each institution will finalise its respective DMCP in close coordination with DLGDM, with continued technical support provided throughout the process.

Bhutan Red Cross Society
Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
Arura Academy of Health Sciences
Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law
Gedu College of Business Studies