A strong earthquake struck eastern Bhutan on September 21, 2009. With its epicenter only ten miles from Trashigang Dzong, the tremors caused wide cracks to develop in the structure, making it vulnerable to serious damage or collapse. (...)
A strong earthquake struck eastern Bhutan on September 21, 2009. With its epicenter only ten miles from Trashigang Dzong, the tremors caused wide cracks to develop in the structure, making it vulnerable to serious damage or collapse. A partnership between WMF, the Bhutan Foundation, and the Netherlands-based Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development resulted in assistance for emergency repairs at Trashigang Dzong and Drametse Lhakhang, another afflicted monastery in nearby Mongar District. At Trashigang, the project involves the construction of retaining walls to guard against soil erosion on the steep slope, repairs in the building’s timber structure and damaged stone walls, and water drainage improvements designed to prevent future deterioration. Concurrently, the Bhutanese government has provided funding to train local craftsmen in the use of earthquake-resistant techniques in restoration work.
