Thangza School Finds Temporary Shelter Amid GLOF Threat

As the remote highlands of Lunana in Gasa prepare for the reopening of schools this month, the Thangza Extended Classroom community is taking a tentative breath of relief. Relocated to Tenchoe due to the looming threat of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from Thorthomi Lake, students and teachers have spent months conducting classes in tents. Now, a newly constructed Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre in Tenchoe offers a temporary reprieve, albeit not a comprehensive solution.

Education Amidst Adversity 🎓

The move to Tenchoe is a strategic decision made in response to recent assessments by the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), which identified Thangza as a high-risk zone for GLOF. This relocation is not just about safeguarding the school but also about protecting the local communities, who have vivid memories of the devastation caused by the 1994 GLOF.

Despite this, the ECCD centre's capacity is limited. Of its three rooms, only two are available for classes, which means senior students will continue to study in tents until a permanent structure is completed by June. The construction of the new school is fraught with delays due to challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.

The Perils of Thorthomi Lake 🌊

Thorthomi Lake is not just another glacial lake in Bhutan. Among the 17 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, it stands out due to its precarious position. Situated at a higher elevation than Raphstreng Lake, it is separated by a fragile moraine dam. A breach here could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, affecting downstream communities with devastating impact.

A Community in Transition

The relocation to Tenchoe is a significant change for the students and teachers who have been braving harsh conditions. Classes, held in tents without heating systems, often move outdoors when the sun is out. The academic session runs from April to November, serving 22 students from 8am to 4pm.

Living in perpetual fear, the residents of Thangza and nearby villages regularly ascend to higher grounds during summer to evade potential GLOFs. This fear is rooted in the dark memories of past disasters, making the need for a permanent solution all the more pressing.

Innovation in Crisis Management 💡

While temporary measures are in place, the situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Temporary toilets equipped with SATO technology—a Japanese innovation that minimizes odour and prevents insect access—are a testament to the innovative approaches being adopted in crisis management.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Hope 🌟

While the temporary relocation of Thangza Extended Classroom students to the ECCD centre provides some respite, it underscores the broader challenges faced by highland communities. The government's efforts to relocate several households permanently to safer sites are ongoing but need acceleration.

The Need for Comprehensive Solutions

Addressing the risk of GLOFs in Bhutan requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in infrastructure resilience, enhancing early warning systems, and improving community preparedness are vital. The story of Thangza is a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by Bhutan in managing natural disasters.

Conclusion

As Thangza students settle into their temporary shelter, the pressing need for a permanent, safe educational environment remains. The resilience of these communities is commendable, but without long-term solutions, the specter of Thorthomi Lake looms large. The journey towards safety and stability is ongoing, and with it, the hope for a future where education can thrive without fear of nature's unpredictability.