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Bhutan will conduct a major Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) evacuation drill at the historic Punakha Dzong on September 11, as authorities step up disaster preparedness amid growing concerns over flash floods and other extreme weather events in the Himalayan region.
The exercise is aimed at testing the emergency response mechanism and evacuation, including the movement of people from the Dzong to designated safe areas in the event of a GLOF or similar disaster.
The mock drill will be conducted by the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Bhutan Red Cross Society and the Punakha Dzongkhag Administration.
The planned exercise assumes added significance in the wake of the recent flash-flood situation in neighboring Nepal, where extreme weather events have caused widespread devastation and raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of Himalayan settlements to sudden floods and related disasters.
Officials said the drill is intended to assess preparedness, coordination among different agencies and the effectiveness of evacuation arrangements so that possible gaps can be identified and addressed before a real emergency occurs.
Authorities have clarified that the September 11 exercise is only a planned emergency preparedness drill and there is no actual emergency. The public has been advised not to panic or spread rumors and unverified information.
During the exercise, temporary traffic diversions and movement restrictions are likely in and around Punakha Dzong. Emergency vehicles and personnel may also be seen moving through the area.
Residents, motorists and visitors have been asked to cooperate with officials and traffic personnel and follow instructions during the exercise.
The drill is expected to provide an important opportunity for Bhutanese authorities to strengthen preparedness for sudden-onset disasters in the Himalayan region, particularly GLOF events that can occur with little warning and pose a serious threat to downstream communities.
