Officials in Nepal reported today that a landslide in Chumnubri village, Gorkha district, located approximately 100 km west of the capital Kathmandu, blocked the Budhi Gandaki river. This blockage caused floodwaters to surge into downstream areas. According to Nepal’s national disaster response agency, two women and three men are missing.
Social media videos showed muddy floodwaters surging through the high mountains.
Rescue efforts by the Nepal Army have saved dozens of individuals. The Nepal Army announced it rescued 49 people, including one foreign national, whose nationality was not disclosed.
Local authorities urged immediate evacuation for residents in affected areas. "We have asked residents living along both banks of the river in downstream areas to evacuate and ensure their safety", said Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Gorkha district's senior administrative official.
The flood caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property. The flood swept away approximately 30 houses and four suspension bridges, damaged a hydropower project camp, and carried off construction equipment. Dharam Raj Uprety, head of Nepal's national disaster response agency, reported that river levels continue to rise.
The agency issued warnings to residents living along the river in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West districts.
A social media appeal emphasized timely evacuation and rescue support. "Please ensure that people in at-risk areas are evacuated to safety in a timely manner, and support search and rescue efforts as needed", a social media post from the agency stated.
Emergency services are actively involved in the affected region. Nepal's army and police search and rescue teams have reached the area, and helicopters are deployed to monitor the situation.
The current events follow a previous devastating flood in the region. The Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli river. Another tributary downstream experienced a devastating flood in August, which resulted in over 1,400 fatalities and left thousands still missing.
Following the August disaster, the focus has shifted from rescue to recovery. The Prime Minister's Office earlier this week announced the conclusion of search and rescue operations for the August flood. Officials will now shift their focus to recovery efforts, including restoring flood-damaged roads and bridges, particularly in remote areas where damaged infrastructure complicates aid delivery.
The August flood had a significant human and economic toll. Nearly 33,000 people were affected by the August disaster, with approximately 7,500 homes damaged or completely destroyed. The Nepal government estimates reconstruction costs will reach 4.77 billion USD.
By Huyen Le (According to Reuters, AP)
