Situation Report (SitRep)1: Punakha windstorm Bhutan Disaster Response Situation Report No: 1 Day/Month/Year: 28/02/2016 Situation Overview • A powerful windstorm has hit several villages in Punakha district on 25 February 2016 at around 10.00 am. • The windstorm affected the roofing structures of 17 households in Balana, Zhengosa, Saychena and Dragchukha chiwogs under Goenshari gewog including the roof structure of the Sewla Shedra’s (religious centre) kitchen under Chhubu gewog. • No human casualties were reported. • A detailed damage assessment is being carried out by the Dzongkhag Administration along with representatives from the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Ltd. Bhutan, Dzongkhag (District) Affected Impact The windstorm has hit several villages viz. Balana, Zhengosa, Saychena and Dragchukha under Goenshari gewog and the Sewla Shedra’s (religious centre) under Chhubu gewog in Punakha Dzongkhag. From the total of 17 roofing structures damaged, the roof of 8 houses were fully damaged while others were partially blown off by the windstorm which started around 10.00 am. Humanitarian needs and responses As an immediate relief, tarpaulin sheets were distributed to affected households by the Dzongkhag Administration in close coordination with the gewog (sub-district) Administration. A detailed damage assessment is being initiated by Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Ltd. with support from the Dzongkhag Administration for insurance payment and it is expected to be completed soon. The local government have not yet appealed for any humanitarian support from the UN at this time of reporting. Next SitRep: (as and when required) For more information, please contact: Kesang C. Phuntsho Office of the UN Resident Coordinator / Humanitarian Coordinator United Nations House Post Office Box 162, Thimphu, Bhutan Tel: +975-2-322424/334570 Fax: + 975-2-322675 www.unct.org.bt Tashi Dorji Portfolio Manager Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management UN Development Programme Tel: +975-2-322424/334570 [email protected] .