The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck on the night of 7th June caused little damage, but it delivered an important message. Bhutan remains vulnerable to a major earthquake, and complacency would be our greatest mistake.
Findings from the Department of Geology and Mines should concern policymakers and citizens alike. Bhutan sits in an active seismic zone, and scientists say tectonic stress may have been building up for more than 300 years since the great earthquake of 1714. While nobody can predict when the next major earthquake will strike, there is enough scientific evidence to tell us that the risk is real.
The lesson is not to panic but to prepare and prepare well.
Bhutan has made progress. The National Earthquake Monitoring Network, seismic stations, intensity meters, and international collaborations have strengthened our ability to monitor earthquakes. However, monitoring alone will not save lives when a major earthquake occurs.
What will matter then is the quality of our buildings, the readiness of our institutions, and the preparedness of our people.
Building codes must be enforced rigorously and without compromise. Too often, regulations can look impressive on paper but face challenges in implementation. Every new structure, whether public or private, should be able to withstand strong seismic activity. Older vulnerable buildings, especially schools, hospitals, offices, monasteries, and heritage structures, should be assessed and strengthened wherever possible.
Preparedness must also become part of everyday life. Earthquake drills should be regular in schools, offices, and communities. Emergency response agencies must continually test their coordination mechanisms. Local governments should know exactly how to respond in the critical hours after a disaster when roads, communications, and power networks may be disrupted.
His Majesty The King has repeatedly reminded the nation to prepare for a major earthquake. The Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay echoed the same message after the recent tremor. It is advice worth taking seriously.
The earthquake on 7th June was a warning. Bhutan has been given time to prepare. The question is whether we will use that time wisely before nature decides that our preparations will be tested.
“You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.” – Jeannette Rankin
