Bhutan

UN provides CGI sheets to the earthquake-affected communities in Eastern Bhutan

From December 2009 to March 2010 the UN system in Bhutan delivered a total of 25,477 Corrugated Galvanized Iron (CGI) sheets to the earthquake-affected communities in eastern Bhutan amounting to roughly US$ 395,000. The provision of this assistance recognizes the need to rebuild stronger and safer homes and is in direct response to the request of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The large majority of the CGI sheets have been distributed to 716 households in the five worst affected districts: Mongar (10,699 sheets), Pema Gatsel (927 sheets), Samdrup Jongkhar (60 sheets), Trashigang (11,600 sheets) and Trashiyangtse (2,130 sheets). More than 3,250 people are estimated to have benefitted from the distribution of the CGI sheets.

The CGI sheets were procured in accordance with international standards. The quality was monitored by the Department of Disaster Management and the Standards and Quality Control Authority (SQCA) and checked upon delivery to the relief camp in Yongphula by Dzongkhag officials and a field coordinator jointly representing the UN system in Bhutan and the Department of Disaster Management.

The September 21^st earthquake destroyed or damaged more than 4,950 homes in 12 districts and left over 7,000 people without adequate shelter. Following the earthquake the UN system in Bhutan provided tents, blankets and tarpaulin sheets to meet the needs for temporary shelter in the eastern districts along with emergency family kits, tools for debris removal and other safety equipment.

For more information, please contact the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Thimphu at +975-2-322424.