The Bhutanese Leading the way.
During the Question Hour Session of the National Council on 3rd December 2025, the Minister for Home Affairs, Tshering, outlined a series of major reforms the government is undertaking to strengthen Bhutan’s disaster management framework.
The clarification came in response to questions raised by the Eminent Member of NC, Kesang Chuki Dorjee, regarding the government’s preparedness following recent climate-induced disasters, including the 5th October flooding triggered by Cyclone Montha.
Eminent Member, Kesang Chuki Dorjee, referred to extensive damages to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods, and highlighted concerns over delayed early-warning alerts and gaps in coordination between national and local authorities.
She also sought details on funding mechanisms, communication systems, and the government’s long-term approach to enhancing public safety.
The Home Minister stated that even though Bhutan remains vulnerable to a range of disasters, major catastrophes have been averted through the prayers of the monastic institutions and the collective merit of the Bhutanese people.
Any damages, Lyonpo Tshering said, are swiftly addressed through the benevolent support of Their Majesties.
Lyonpo Tshering explained that Bhutan’s disaster management structure is guided by the Disaster Management Act 2013 and the Disaster Management Rules and Regulations 2014. Under this framework, several institutions operate at different levels. At the central level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister, serves as the apex decision-making body, supported by the Inter-Ministerial Task Force of technical experts. The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM) functions as the Secretariat and national coordination agency.
At the Dzongkhag level, Disaster Management Committees are chaired by Dzongda’s, with further subcommittees in Dungkhags, Thromdes, and Gewogs. During disasters, the National Disaster Response Coordination Committee takes over at the central level, while Incident Management Teams operate in the Dzongkhags.
While Bhutan’s structural framework is comparable to international standards, the Home Minister acknowledged several operational challenges. Fragmented responsibilities across multiple agencies ranging from the Department of Geology and Mines for earthquakes to NCHM for weather and floods continue to hinder coordinated action. The existing placement of DLGDM as a regular department under the ministry limits its authority to regulate and coordinate disaster-related activities effectively.
Information-sharing also remains inconsistent. Although disaster data is mandated to flow through the DLGDM, authorities often collect information from varied sources, leading to conflicting reports. Lyonpo Tshering said the ministry continues to remind agencies to use verified data shared by DLGDM.
Another major issue is the lack of mainstreaming disaster risk into plans and programs of agencies, which the Home Minister said remains largely reactive. With disaster considerations not fully integrated into development planning, funding for preparedness and equipment continues to fall short.
A key infrastructure gap is the absence of a National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) and Dzongkhag Emergency Operation Centers. While the NEOC is under design, many dzongkhags still lack DEOCs due to funding constraints, affecting coordinated and timely response during major emergencies.
A new NEOC will be constructed in Lungtenphu, Thimphu, to improve nationwide coordination and access to timely climate information. On disaster financing, Lyonpo clarified that the government uses distinct funding windows for preparedness, relief and response, restoration, and long-term recovery.
Preparedness activities including early warning systems and disaster-resilient infrastructure are funded through the 13th Five-Year Plan budgets of relevant agencies.
Immediate response operations receive support from the Disaster Contingency Fund under the General Reserve. Local Governments may use their annual block grants for urgent restoration of critical infrastructure, and additional funds are provided upon review if needed.
To address communication gaps, several layers of systems are currently used, including WhatsApp groups at national, dzongkhag, and gewog levels. 17 High Frequency (HF) and VHF repeater stations and priority mobile numbers for key officials to ensure connectivity during network congestion.
The government plans to install six more repeater stations to eliminate blind spots in coordination.
Major technological upgrades are underway.
DLGDM is collaborating with telecom companies through emergency task forces to operationalize bulk SMS alerts.
In addition, 56 STARLINK bases will soon be established across Thimphu and other dzongkhags to provide reliable satellite-based communication during disasters. Work is also advancing on HAM radio systems and the development of mobile Apps and dashboards for real-time reporting and alerts at the community level.
Early warning systems, currently installed only along major rivers, will also be expanded to smaller flood-prone streams.
The Home Minister further informed that a Disaster Management Committee has been formed to address existing challenges and strengthen coordination across agencies.
The Thimphu Earthquake Contingency Plan developed with input from LG officials, schools, and community representatives is nearing completion, and will guide response and humanitarian management in the event of a major earthquake. Similar plans will follow in other dzongkhags.
