The windstorm that struck Darla (Tala) on the evening of May 28 has damaged 119 acres of crops, mainly corn, belonging to about 214 households, the Darla gewog office has confirmed.

Assistant dzongkhag agriculture officer in Chukha, NK Acharya, said the report on crop damages have been submitted to the agriculture ministry in Thimphu.

“We have no hand in deciding the compensation of the crops,” he said. “The ministry would decide.”

The windstorm had blown off roofs of 12 houses in eight villages across the gewog. The roofs of Chumilakha primary school were also damaged.

Phuentsholing drungpa Karma Rinchen said CGI sheets to roof the school have arrived.

“Chiwog people with carpentry experience will be mobilised for the restoration works,” the drungpa said.

Meanwhile, the Royal Insurance Corporation Limited (RICBL) officials assessed the damaged houses the next day after the disaster. It has identified 23 households for insurance claims. It includes houses affected by the windstorm at Bongo gewog.

RICBL’s Gedu branch manager, Dorji Phuntsho, said he has submitted the report to the head office.

“The payment has not been released but we are trying to do it by today,” he said. “Claims will depend on the quantum of losses.”

After the insurance claims are provided to the affected households, the community will help each other in the restoration works.

Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing