Economics & Development

Bhutan faces significant risks from natural hazards, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and wildfires. Climate change is exacerbating these risks, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and hydropower, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. The crisis preparedness gap analysis (CPGA) assesses a country’s capacity to prepare for crises including natural hazards, pandemics and food insecurity. It focuses on five key elements that are relevant across a broad range of crisis scenarios: (i) legal and institutional foundations, (ii) understanding and monitoring risks, (iii) financial preparedness, (iv) primary response, and (v) social and livelihoods support.