People in Laya, Gasa are facing growing difficulties after the recent Mochhu flood washed away bridges, damaged roads and disrupted electricity supply. With the gewog cut off, residents are relying on horses to transport essential goods and solar power for lighting, just as they prepare for winter.
The Shintaphu Lake outburst in Lungo Chiwog on the 29th of last month triggered flooding in Mochhu, washing away two bridges and damaging sections of the Gasa-Laya road.
With road connectivity cut off, residents are relying on horses to transport essential goods. However, damaged routes are making transportation increasingly difficult.
The disruption comes at a critical time as families prepare to stock up on food and fodder ahead of winter.
Pema Jamtsho, Mangmi of Laya Gewog, said residents are worried about shortages of essential supplies, particularly for the boarding school and civil servants.
“We are worried about how our people will survive in the coming days. We also have a boarding school, and we are concerned about whether there will be sufficient food supplies for the students. Similarly, many civil servants are facing an acute shortage of essential food items,” he said.
Meanwhile, restoration of road connectivity remains uncertain. The Department of Surface Transport is assessing the damage, while priority has been given to restoring the road to Gasa. Work on the Gasa-Laya stretch will begin once access to Gasa is restored.
Electricity supply has also been disrupted, with more than 30 poles reportedly damaged or washed away between Koina and Taktsimakhang. The lack of road access has delayed restoration work.Pema Jamtsho said the damaged electricity cables are affecting daily activities and the delivery of essential public services.
“Our electricity supply cables have been completely damaged. The lack of electricity is affecting the daily lives and activities of our people. Likewise, the Gewog Administration is facing difficulties in providing essential services to the public due to the power outage,” he said.
Until road connectivity and electricity supply are restored, people in Laya will have to continue relying on traditional means of transportation and alternative energy sources while preparing for the coming winter.