𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐜𝐡𝐮 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞

By Sonam Choden

A devastating forest fire broke out in Damchu on January 23, 2025, destroying seven homes and leaving the community reeling from the swift destruction. Despite the heroic efforts of local authorities, volunteers, and residents, the blaze, fueled by strong winds, tore through miles of land, rapidly spreading across approximately nine kilometers toward Tsamdrag and Pagga Chiwog, displacing families and causing widespread damage to both the environment and nearby settlements.

In response to the disaster, Chabcha Mangmi (an elected representative of a gewog, or block of villages, in the local government) Lemo shared that the community, along with other chiwogs under Chabcha Gewog- Gangcha Shelyuel, Dokharchu Rimtekha, Lang Neyelsa, and Bunakha- came together to support the affected families. Their collective efforts included monetary donations, clothing, and food supplies such as rice and vegetables. “His Majesty’s continued support played a crucial role in the relief efforts, with the affected households receiving Nu. 10,000 along with essential utensils,” added Mangmi Lemo.

Despite the relentless efforts of the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), Desuups, Dantak, forest officials, and local volunteers, the fire raged for almost three days before being fully extinguished. Strong winds posed a significant challenge in controlling the blaze, which tore through acres of land. The worst damage was reported in Tshamdrag Chiwog, where seven residences, including three traditional two-story houses, two single-story houses, and two huts, were reduced to ashes. “The fire spread so rapidly that, despite coordinated efforts from the local community and officials, destruction was inevitable,” said Tshogpa Dawa Zangmo of Tshamdrag Chiwog.

The residents who lost their homes were devastated by the sudden loss. “The fire arrived so suddenly and spread so quickly due to strong winds that we couldn’t save anything. Thankfully, my neighbor, who owns a car, helped me and my younger child escape,” said Tshewang Choden, one of the individuals who lost her home. Others shared similar stories of being unable to recover any belongings.

After the fire, all families of the seven households who lost their homes reported temporary housing arrangements with immediate family members. “My family and I are staying with my wife’s sister,” said Dorji Wangchuk. Similarly, Tshewang Choden’s family is residing with her sister, while Kinzang Dema is staying near her damaged property with her brother, who was recently transferred. Fortunately, no casualties among humans or animals were reported, added Kinzang Dema. What was once a vibrant ecosystem is now either in ruins or completely destroyed.

Of the seven homes affected, five were insured, while two huts were not. Ugyen, one of the homeowners who tragically lost his house, shared his experience regarding the post-disaster recovery process. “I noticed a clear distinction between those who had insured their properties and those who hadn’t. Insured individuals received immediate financial assistance, while I could only regret not having insured my property. This experience made me realize how crucial insurance is for timely support during crises,” said Ugyen.

Though his own home was not insured, Ugyen noticed that insured homeowners quickly began claiming their compensation, aided by local authorities. These authorities expedited the insurance claims process, ensuring faster recovery for insured homeowners. Ugyen’s story highlights the complexities of disaster recovery, emphasizing the vital role of insurance in mitigating financial loss and the importance of local governance in facilitating the process.

Kinzang Dema, one of the insured homeowners, shared her experience: “With help from the Gewog, we could immediately claim our insurance without any issues.” This highlights the crucial role insurance played in the recovery efforts for those who were covered. The prompt processing of insurance claims, with support from local authorities, demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based assistance in facilitating access to relief services during times of crisis.

“Although official confirmation has yet to be received, the Dzongkhag, Gewog, and Chiwog Administrations are currently discussing the distribution of timber to affected families,” said the Mangmi. She added, “This initiative is essential for supporting the community. Preliminary efforts have been undertaken, with engineers conducting a comprehensive survey to assess available resources. The survey aims to ensure the equitable distribution of timber.”
According to the Mangmi and the Gewog Tshogpa, this measure will provide immediate relief for urgent needs, particularly shelter and reconstruction. Collaboration between local authorities, engineers, and the community will be crucial in managing the resources efficiently and ensuring timely assistance for those in need. “Further steps will follow, depending on the outcomes of these ongoing discussions,” said the Mangmi.

The ongoing dry winter season has heightened concerns about forest fires across the country. The fire in Damchu not only caused significant physical and material damage but also highlighted the crucial role of insurance and local governance in disaster recovery. The disparities between insured and uninsured homeowners emphasize the critical importance of insurance in providing immediate financial relief. This event serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness, response mechanisms, and the importance of insurance, community resilience, and local governance in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.