April 14: Strong winds have blown off the roofs of several houses in parts of Pemagatshel, Trashigang and Phuentsholing.

Affected gewogs in Pemagatshel are Chongshing, Nanong, Shumar and Yurung. Roofs of over 40 houses were blown off in these gewogs. Our reporter Tenzin Dorji says the strong winds hit around 8:00pm on Saturday. It was followed by heavy rainfall.

In Tashigang, the roofs of all classrooms of Moshi Primary School were blown off. Our reporter says the cases have been reported to the respective Dzongkhag administration.

The Pemagatshel Dzongda told BBS that so far there are no reports of human casualties and other damage to property. The Dzongda added that the Administration and gewog authorities are assessing the damage. The matter has also been reported to the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.

Over in Phuentsholing, strong winds blew off roofs of several houses last night. The lower market was the hardest hit. Our reporter Tenzin Wangda says the ferocity of the wind increased with every passing hour.

Apart from blowing off the roofs, the windstorm also broke tree branches. Our reporter says the residents woke up to see the main street in the town littered with branches and debris.

Similar strong winds were also reported as far as Alay, some seven kilometers from Phuentsholing towards Pasakha. Residents told BBS that compared to past years last night’s winds were stronger.

Strong winds are common at this time of the year when spring gives way to summer.