Flash floods and landslides in Bhutan kill seven, 16 missing

Thimphu: Bhutan has been seeing heavy rains and it has triggered flash floods and landslides, causing devastation in a remote area in the eastern part of the country. At least seven people lost their lives, and 16 others remain missing after a section of a small hydroelectric plant was washed away on Thursday.

The incident has prompted immediate rescue and search operations, with authorities and teams rushing to the affected site, reported Reuters.

The 32 MW Yungichhu Hydro Power Project, situated in a remote region, suffered significant damage when the flash floods and landslides struck. While a section of the plant was washed away, the main part remained unaffected, according to reports from a Bhutanese newspaper. Prime Minister Lotay Tshering personally arrived at the disaster site to assess the situation and provide guidance to the ongoing rescue and search efforts.

So far, seven bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for the 16 missing individuals. Authorities have identified five of the deceased, but further details have not been released.

An unnamed official from Druk Green Power, responsible for the hydroelectric plant's construction, described the incident as a major disaster. The missing individuals include project staff.

Bhutan has a population of approximately 750,000 and seldom witnesses such major tragedies. However, in 2021, the nation faced a similar disaster when flash floods claimed the lives of at least 10 people at a remote mountain camp.

In neighboring Nepal, the situation has been equally grim, with annual monsoon rains leading to flash floods and landslides. In 2023, Nepal reported at least 25 fatalities and 25 individuals missing due to these natural calamities that began in June.

Bhutan and its neighboring countries are vigilant against the impacts of heavy monsoon rains and potential disasters caused by natural phenomena.