Nepal’s military rescuers reached an area affected by a sudden flood on Monday. They used helicopters and soldiers to deliver food and aid materials along the Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal while evacuating residents and tourists. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, with five individuals still missing. The government’s timely warning allowed most people to move to higher ground before the flood struck.
The flood, triggered by a landslide near Chumchure village, caused significant damage, including the destruction of five bridges, the disruption of three hydropower plant construction sites, and numerous houses and farms. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 95 people, including nine foreigners, have been relocated to nearby towns.
The affected region is known for its popular trekking routes, particularly crowded with visitors in October. Relief efforts include trucks transporting supplies to accessible areas by road and military helicopters delivering aid to remote mountain villages.
The Budhi Gandaki River, a vital waterway near Kathmandu, merges with the Trishuli River. Social media videos captured houses and structures being carried away by the powerful river, though the full extent of the impact on the region’s villages remains uncertain.
Nepal continues to recover from a catastrophic flood that struck the Nepal-China border in August, resulting in over 1,400 fatalities and numerous missing persons. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s office announced the conclusion of search and rescue operations on October 5, shifting focus to infrastructure repair efforts.
