The Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLGDM), Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Bhutan Red Cross Society and Punakha Dzongkhag Administration, conducted a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Evacuation Drill at Punakha Dzong on 11 September 2026. The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Home Minister.

As part of the preparedness efforts, GLOF preparedness activities were conducted from 7–8 September 2026 across vulnerable communities in Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. The activities focused on strengthening risk awareness, establishing and orienting evacuation teams, identifying evacuation routes and safe areas, and conducting basic evacuation drills at the community level.

The preparedness initiatives were undertaken in support of the National High-Level Task Force’s preparedness decisions of July 2026 concerning Super El Niño, with particular attention to the risks posed by GLOFs originating from high-altitude glacial lakes, including Thorthormi in Lunana.

The evacuation drill at Punakha Dzong tested and strengthened existing arrangements for early warning, evacuation, communication, coordination and emergency response. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the safety of people and protecting the Dzong’s sacred relics and cultural heritage during a potential GLOF emergency.

The exercise provided an opportunity for relevant agencies and stakeholders to assess preparedness, strengthen coordination and identify areas for improvement in GLOF emergency response. Such drills are an important part of building community resilience and enhancing Bhutan’s preparedness for climate-related and disaster risks.

Ministry of Home Affairs
Royal Government of Bhutan