Tshering Wangchuk is no stranger to the challenges of living in a rural community in the mountainous parts of Bhutan. “My place is far away from the capital city Thimphu. There is no road access. We have to walk for three days before reaching the main road.”
A school principal who doubles up as the Disaster Focal Point in Lingzhi Dungkhag district, Tshering expressed serious concerns at the increasing threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and the devastating impact it would have on his community.
“There is a big risk. In my district, there are glacial lakes near the government offices, school and village. We are very worried and ensuring preparedness and planning mechanisms are in place in our community,” shares Tshering. He remembers the destruction caused by the 1994 Lugge Tsho GLOF which damaged government buildings, roads, farmland and property. 21 people lost their lives.
"We see the water from the glacier rise significantly," Tshering notes, emphasizing the visible impact of climate change on the region's glaciers. These catastrophic events, where the natural dams of glacial lakes burst, releasing vast quantities of water downstream, are becoming more frequent and severe. For Bhutan's communities, building resilience against such disasters is not just a necessity but a matter of survival.
According to the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report: Resilience in a Riskier World, Bhutan has witnessed an alarming rate of glacial melt, with glaciers losing the equivalent of over a vertical foot and a half of ice each year since 2000—double the amount from 1975 to 2000. Between 2017 and 2024, the rate of melting has accelerated, raising concerns among local communities and authorities.
He pointed out that climate change is driven not just by vehicular emissions but by a wide range of human and animal activities, all contributing to environmental degradation. "Climate change is not just the car but all human and animal activity. There's a lot of destruction," he remarked.
Tshering also recognized the need to shift from disaster management to risk management. This approach is in line with the Sendai Framework, which emphasizes understanding disaster risks, strengthening governance, building resilient infrastructure and enhancing preparedness.
His thoughts are echoed by Madhurima Sarkar-Swaisgood, an officer at ESCAP’s Disaster Risk Reduction Section. "Getting a handle on disaster and climate risks in all sectors is key to smart risk management. That’s why ESCAP is pitching in to help the region by pulling together all the reliable open-source data on climate, hazards and socioeconomics.”
She added, “With the ESCAP Risk and Resilience Portal, we’re making it easier to see exactly what climate risks are out there and where they might hit, so everyone can plan better and stay ahead.”
Bhutan has made strides in improving risk governance. Disaster management authorities are better coordinated, and the use of technology such as drones, satellite surveillance, and social media platforms has improved early warning systems and community outreach. However, challenges remain due to the remote locations and fragile terrain of many at-risk communities.
Tshering detailed the efforts made by local authorities to monitor and manage these risks, including frequent visits to the glaciers. This commitment underscores the importance of firsthand observation and continuous monitoring.
Enhancing community preparedness is key to mitigating the impacts of GLOFs. These include investing in early warning systems, training programs, and community education to ensure that people are aware of the risks and know how to respond in case of an emergency. "The population needs to adapt," Tshering mused, adding "There needs to be more awareness, more education and more training."
ESCAP Photo
Tshering and other local disaster management officers in Punakha, Bhutan recently participated in a five-day training organized by ESCAP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management and Think Blue Data. The training focused on practical skills and introduced participants to cutting-edge digital tools, the latest developments, methodologies and analytics to enable better preparedness for disasters such as GLOFs.
"Empowering local officials with cutting-edge tools and practical skills is critical in building a resilient future. This initiative strengthens our ability to prepare for disasters, ensuring that communities in Bhutan are not just reacting to threats but proactively safeguarding their futures," underscored Madhurima.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of Bhutan’s communities remains resilient. The people are deeply connected to their environment and each other, fostering a strong sense of solidarity in the face of adversity. Community-led initiatives and local knowledge play a vital role in building resilience and ensuring that everyone, from the youngest child to the eldest member, is prepared for potential disasters.
Note: Support for the interview with Tshering Wangchuk was provided by Madhurima Sarkar-Swaisgood from ESCAP’s ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division.
