Nepal’s military rescue teams successfully reached an area struck by a sudden flood the day before. Helicopters and soldiers provided essential supplies and evacuated residents and tourists along the Budhi Gandaki river in the north-central region of Nepal. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, with five individuals currently missing. The government’s timely warning allowed most people to seek safety at higher ground before the floodwaters arrived.
The flash flood on Sunday was triggered by a landslide that obstructed the river near Chumchure village, resulting in the destruction of five bridges, three hydropower plant construction sites, and numerous homes and farms. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal reported that 95 individuals, including nine foreigners, have been relocated to nearby towns.
The affected region includes popular trekking routes frequented by hikers, especially during the bustling tourist period of October. Relief efforts are underway, with trucks transporting provisions like food, tents, and medicine to accessible areas by road, while military helicopters are delivering supplies to remote mountain communities.
The Budhi Gandaki River, a crucial waterway near Kathmandu, merges with the Trishuli River. Social media videos captured the devastating sight of homes and structures being carried away by the surging river amidst towering mountains. The extent of damage to the small villages in the mountainous terrain remains unclear.
Nepal continues to recover from a catastrophic flood that ravaged the Nepal-China border in August, claiming over 1,400 lives and leaving thousands missing. The search and rescue operations were concluded on October 5, as the focus shifts to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.