Nepal’s military rescuers were able to access an area impacted by a sudden flood on Sunday. Helicopters and soldiers delivered essential supplies along the Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal and initiated the evacuation of residents and tourists from the region. No fatalities have been reported, with five individuals currently missing. Most people were able to move to higher ground thanks to an early warning system prior to the flood’s arrival.
The flood, triggered by a landslide near Chumchure village, caused significant destruction, including the damage or destruction of five bridges, three hydropower plant construction sites, and numerous homes and farms. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal has confirmed the safe relocation of 95 individuals, including nine foreigners, to nearby towns.
The affected area, known for its popular trekking routes, attracts many hikers during October, making it a peak time for visitors. Relief efforts are ongoing, with trucks transporting supplies like food, tents, and medicine to accessible areas by road, while army helicopters are reaching remote mountain villages with essential supplies.
The Budhi Gandaki River, a critical waterway near Kathmandu, merges with the Trishuli River. Social media videos depict houses and structures being carried away by the powerful river amidst towering mountains, though the full extent of impact on the region’s small villages remains uncertain. Nepal continues to recover from a catastrophic flood in August that ravaged the Nepal-China border, resulting in over 1,400 fatalities and numerous missing individuals.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s office announced the conclusion of search and rescue operations on October 5, shifting the focus to infrastructure repair and recovery efforts.