Other areas
The natural environment of Bhutan is at risk. Located in active seismic zones and exposed to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) accelerated by global warming, the natural environment can dramatically affect the lives of people in Bhutan. Landslides and floods often occur during the rainy season, with road surfaces freezing and road closure due to heavy snow in winter. Bhutan was hit by Cyclone Aila in May 2009 resulting in damages to public infrastructure such as bridges and roads of which restoration works are not made much progress.
Considering the increasing demand of assistance to the disaster management bureau and the advantages of Japan that has a vast knowledge on natural disasters,Japan provides assistance for research by technical cooperation. Japan also provides assistance for reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the cyclone Ailia in May 2009.
[Japan's Assistance Policy]
Japan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of disaster prevention. Therefore, the Government of Bhutan welcomes cooperation in this area. The Government of Japan has already initiated a technical research project to cope with GLOFs. Japan also support the restoration and improvement of vital infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Aila, in addition to providing assistance under Grassroots Grant Aid Projects.