Department of Local Governance & Disaster Management

12/10/2026

Forest Fire Prevention and Management Advisory for the Upcoming Dry Season

Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan
Department of Forests and Park Services

05/10/2026

The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs conducted an earthquake Simulation Exercise in Dorokha Dungkhag on 1-2 October 2026.
The exercise was conducted simultaneously at the Dorokha Dungkhag Administration and Dorokha Primary School, bringing together the Dungkhag Incident Management Team, Search and Rescue Team, and school to practice coordinated response to an earthquake emergency.
The exercise provided an opportunity to assess the flow of information, coordination, and response between the Dungkhag and the school, while identifying practical gaps and areas for improvement.
Key observations and lessons from the exercise were discussed during the After-Action Review to support continued strengthening of disaster preparedness and response at the local level.

02/10/2026

“When disaster strikes, every second counts. Time becomes a lifeline, and first responders are the ones ready to act when it matters most”

The National Search and Rescue Training Centre (NSARTC), Tashigatshel, Chukha, successfully concluded the 11th Batch Search and Rescue (SAR) Training for the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) personnel on 2 October 2026, following two weeks of intensive training.

A total of 97 RBP personnel, including 19 female personnel, successfully completed the training.Through the two-week SAR training, the RBP personnel were trained in search and rescue techniques, locating and rescuing trapped or missing persons, casualty handling, safe access to disaster sites, use of SAR equipment, first aid, teamwork, communication and coordinated emergency response.

In a real disaster whether an earthquake, landslide, flood, GLOF or major accident the first few hours are critical. Trained personnel on the ground can search for survivors, rescue trapped and injured persons, provide immediate assistance and help organise the initial response before additional resources arrive.

This training is more than a course. It is an investment in Bhutan’s human resources for a national First Responder System, building a pool of trained personnel within key agencies who can respond quickly, work together and support Dzongkhag / Gewogs /communities when they need help most.

The closing session was graced by the Dzongdag of Chukha Dzongkhag. The SAR training was organized in collaboration with Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management and Royal Bhutan Police.

🙏 Thank you to NSARTC and the Royal Bhutan Police for your commitment to strengthening Bhutan’s disaster response capacity.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of BhutanBhutan Red Cross SocietyRoyal Bhutan PoliceThe BhutaneseKuenselDe-suung - Guardians of PeacePrime Minister's Office - PMO, BhutanChhukha Dzongkhag Administration

30/09/2026

The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs conducted Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) in Sombaykha Dungkhag on 29-30 September 2026.
The exercise brought together the Dungkhag Incident Management Team and relevant stakeholders to test their preparedness and response through a simulated earthquake and subsequent flood scenario.
A key part of the exercise was the review and testing of the draft Dungkhag Disaster Management and Contingency Plan, helping identify practical gaps, strengthen coordination, and improve response arrangements.
The exercise concluded with an After-Action Review, capturing key lessons and areas for improvement to further strengthen disaster resilience at the local level.

16/09/2026

11/09/2026

08/09/2026

Strengthening GLOF Preparedness in Punakha–Wangdue

The GLOF preparedness measures being conducted from 7–8 September 2026 continue the ongoing preparedness efforts and programmes of the Punakha and Wangdue Dzongkhag Administrations and the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with Bhutan Red Cross Society and other local partners.

These efforts are being further strengthened due to the impact of a Super El Niño occurring in 2026 and 2027 which might result in higher temperatures, accelerated glacier melting and an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

GLOF awareness activities and evacuation drills were conducted in vulnerable communities, including Wolathang, Khawa-Jara, Mendagang, Samdingkha, Lorina, Gubji-Tsekha, Khuruthang, Phochu Dumra, Sheydra, Tshokorna, Changyul, Punakha Old Town and Samthang.

Activities include risk awareness, community evacuation team orientation, validation of evacuation routes and safe areas, and basic evacuation drills. The programme supports the National High-Level Task Force’s July 2026 Super El Niño preparedness decisions, with particular focus on GLOF risks from high-altitude glacial lakes such as Thorthormi in Lunana.

Preparatory activities will take place on 9–10 September, followed by the Punakha Dzong GLOF Evacuation Drill on 11 September 2026.

Punakha Dzongkhag AdministrationBhutan Red Cross SocietyMinistry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of BhutanRoyal Bhutan PoliceDe-suung - Guardians of PeaceDzongkhag Administration of WangduephodrangBBSKuenselThe Bhutanese

04/09/2026

Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan
Punakha Dzongkhag Administration
Bhutan Red Cross Society

02/09/2026

Finalisation of Punakha Dzongkhag GLOF Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan and Preparation for Mock Drill

The Punakha Dzongkhag GLOF Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and finalized on 2nd September 2026 at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), DLGDM, under the chairmanship of His Nangsid Lyonpo.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dratshang, Punakha Dzongkhag Administration, NCHM, Tensung, DLGDM, and the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development.

The meeting focused on strengthening preparedness and response measures for a potential GLOF, with particular emphasis on saving lives, timely evacuation, protection of sacred relics, communication and early warning, search and rescue capacity and other response services.

The meeting also reviewed the GLOF early warning system, potential risks from glacial lakes, estimated flood lead time, existing preparedness gaps, and the need to strengthen and modernize early warning and response systems.

A key decision was to conduct a mock-up disaster drill at Punakha this month to test and validate the preparedness and response arrangements in practice. The exercise will simulate the evacuation and safeguarding of sacred objects, while also testing communication, coordination, evacuation routes, response roles, and search and rescue arrangements.

The exercise will provide an opportunity to identify gaps, clarify the roles and responsibilities of different responders, and further strengthen the Dzong’s preparedness for a potential GLOF event.

The meeting further emphasized that frequent mock drills and practical preparedness exercises are essential to ensure that plans are not only documented but are understood and can be effectively implemented during an actual emergency.

28/08/2026