BBSCL

With the country facing increasing natural disasters driven by climate change, Bhutan’s disaster preparedness remains inadequate. This is according to the World Bank’s recent "Crisis Preparedness Gap Analysis" policy brief. This year alone, Bhutan has already experienced around five reported forest fire cases and an earthquake, highlighting the natural hazards the country is vulnerable to. According to the document, the...

The Gelephu Tshechu in Sarpang drew a huge crowd of devotees from neighbouring gewogs and districts this time. Although the festival usually draws a decent number of people, this time the courtyard was jam-packed with spectators. Many attributed the turnout to visitors from across the country exploring land investment opportunities at the Gelephu Mindfulness City and officials attending seminars and...

The Royal Monetary Authority's 2024 annual report reveals that inflation in Bhutan has dropped to one of its lowest levels last year since the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure fell to 2 per cent as of August from 5.7 per cent in the same month in 2023. This decline, largely driven by falling fuel prices and slower increases in non-food costs,...

A day after a powerful earthquake struck Tibet's Shigatse region, with tremors felt across Bhutan, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology reported a massive avalanche sweeping through the Bechung Glacier near Thanza village in Lunana Gewog. The earthquake's impact was strongest in Bhutan's Gasa district, which registered an intensity of magnitude four. No casualties have been reported in the...