Arya News - Officials say the figures are preliminary and will be verified by a field assessment team, as the number of dead and missing yaks could increase while the situation is still being assessed.
THIMPHU – The Shingtaphu lake outburst has left at least 128 yaks and 12 horses suspected dead, with preliminary economic losses estimated at Nu 6.8 million, according to the Department of Livestock.
The outburst on October 29 also left 10 yaks missing and one injured. About 12 acres of Tsamdro were also affected.
The department said the figures are preliminary and will be verified by a field assessment team. Officials say the number of dead and missing yaks could increase as the situation is still being assessed. The figures shared so far are preliminary and may be revised as more information becomes available.
The team from the Gasa Dzongkhag Livestock Sector will assess livestock losses, identify affected households and determine the immediate need for animal feed and veterinary care.
The Chief Dzongkhag Livestock Officer in Gasa will coordinate the assessment and verify the reported deaths and damage. The department will use the verified information to determine relief requirements, including food supplies for affected households and feed for livestock.
Officials will also assess whether a stranded horse near the Tongchudra Labour Camp can be safely rescued. The animal is trapped between a cliff and the river, making access difficult. If the site cannot be reached by land, the team will assess the feasibility of a helicopter rescue.
A veterinary team from the National Veterinary Hospital in Motithang, Thimphu will remain on standby to provide emergency treatment if required.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by continuous rainfall, unstable soil, blocked roads and the risk of crossing the river. The formation of an artificial lake upstream of Taktsemakhang has raised concerns about personnel safety. Roadblocks between Koina and Tongchudra, difficult terrain, river crossings and disruptions to electricity and mobile connectivity have also hampered access to affected areas.
The department has instructed officials to advise livestock owners against consuming animals that died during the disaster and to coordinate the safe disposal of carcasses to minimise the risk of disease.
Meanwhile, a rescue team successfully rescued and relocated a mule stranded at Tongchudra on October 31. The team, comprising veterinary officer Dr Jigme Tshewang, Laya livestock in-charge Sonam Wangda, the animal’s owner and two local residents, travelled on foot through steep cliffs and dense bushes to reach the animal. An excavator provided by SL Construction Pvt Ltd supported the operation. The mule was medically assessed after the rescue, and no apparent injuries or health complications were observed.
Officials said personal safety would remain the priority as assessment and rescue operations continue.