Attachments
Situation Overview
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A massive flooding has occurred in Sarpang town on 20 July 2016 after the Sarpang river level rose beyond its bank due to the continuous downpour since 19 July in the Dzongkhag.
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All 52 shops were evacuated to higher grounds with support from Dzongkhag officials and volunteers on the same day.
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No casualties have been reported.
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The Gelephu – Sarpang highway that is located above the town was also washed away.
Description of disaster
The flood occurred in Sarpang town as early as 1 am on 20 July 2016 when the Sarpang river broke its bank due to continuous downpour since 19 July 2016. The flood has lead to evacuation of 48 Bhutanese and 4 non-Bhutanese shopkeepers to safer place with support from Dzongkhag officials, Royal Bhutan Army and volunteers. The Gelephu-Sarpang highway was also washed away and movement of all vehicles between these two towns have been stopped.
The location of the town itself poses threat to its inhabitants and the town faced such destruction in 1996 when it was completely wiped out after an overnight flood