Bhutan

COUNTRY INFORMATION

Region: South Asia

Population: 779,900

Capital: Thimphu

GDP (Million US$): 2,315

Disaster Risk Profile: Bhutan is exposed to earthquakes, landslides, glacial lake outburst floods, flash flooding, storms, forest fires and epidemics.

Inform Risk Rating: 3.1

Institutional DRR Setup

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The highest decision-making body on disaster management, led by the Prime Minister. The NDMA is responsible for approving national disaster management funds, directing agencies to mainstream DRR into their development plans, policies, programs and projects and provides strategic guidance to any agency on disaster management, including the Department of Disaster Management, Dzongkhag Disaster Management Committees among other agencies. The NDMA further establishes/commissions research and develops/provides training on disaster management.

Department of Disaster Management

Acts as the Secretariat and executive arm of the NDMA in laying down strategies and policies for disaster management; ensuring agencies mainstream DRR; preparing the National Plan in coordination with relevant agencies; formulating national guidelines, standards and procedures for disaster management; developing and implementing public education, awareness and capacity-building programs; developing standard training modules and curricula on disaster management, developing and maintaining the Disaster Management Information System; and ensuring the implementation of the Disaster Management and Contingency plan.

Inter-Ministerial Task Force

Comprised of technical experts from relevant agencies and is responsible for the review of hazard zonation, vulnerability maps; structural and non-structural measures; risk reduction activities; national standards; guidelines and operating procedures. It also provides technical assistance for the National Disaster Management and Contingency Plan, and advises on the setup of critical disaster management facilities.

Dzongkhang Disaster Management Committees

Established to ensure Dzhongkhang DM and contingency plans are in place as well as oversee monitoring and evaluation of all implementation efforts.

Progress under each Sendai Priorities

To ensure strong understanding of disaster risk, multi-level risk assessments are conducted prior to any project implementation. Disaster management is supported by a comprehensive policy framework under the governance of the National Disaster Management Authority to address strengthening disaster risk governance under Priority 2.

Bhutan prioritizes investment in disaster financing, to meet Priority 3 of the Sendai Framework, with numerous financial provisions in place for response and recovery as well as DM activities. Sector-specific provisions are also in place to support Bhutan's urban expansion and resilient development. Provisions are also in place to improve preparedness for effective response through policies, plans and funds targeting capacity building of local stakeholders to ensure building back better under Priority 4. Find out more.

NDMO Contact Information

Department of Disaster Management

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