Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan a nation renowned for pioneering Gross National Happiness faces growing threats from climate-induced disasters. Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity to revolutionize its approach to weather, water, and early warning systems.
Recent climate events highlight the urgency. A flash flood in August, intensified by upstream landslides, affected 70 households in Thimphu. In 2023, another flood claimed 23 lives and damaged the Yungichhu hydropower project. Severe rainfall in 2021 destroyed 2,400 metric tons of crops across 18 Dzongkhags. With 700 glaciers and 567 glacial lakes 17 posing high GLOF risks Bhutan’s vulnerability is evident, particularly for its agriculture-dependent workforce.
For a decade, Bhutan’s National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), the World Bank, and GFDRR have worked together to improve hydromet services. Since becoming autonomous in 2016, NCHM has reduced weather forecast preparation time, enhanced aviation safety at Paro International Airport, and developed the National Hydromet Policy. A recent $40 million Climate and Disaster Resilience Development Policy Financing will further strengthen GLOF early warning systems.
Challenges remain. Bhutan’s observation network is incomplete, with unreliable weather stations, manual data transmission, and limited flood warnings for smaller tributaries. To address this, Bhutan and the World Bank have crafted a 10-year roadmap to modernize NCHM by 2034. Plans include new upper air stations, weather radars, AI-driven forecasting, and a purpose-built campus for training and research.
Regional collaboration, through the South Asia Hydromet Forum, continues to foster knowledge exchange and enhance forecasting capabilities. By integrating AI, expanding observation networks, and strengthening local expertise, Bhutan is investing in a resilient future protecting lives, securing livelihoods, and reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.