Residents living along the Budhi Gandaki river in north central Nepal had to evacuate due to flash flooding that caused destruction to homes and structures in the area. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority took action by evacuating villagers and advising others to relocate to safer zones while remaining vigilant until late Sunday. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The disaster management agency is currently investigating the cause of the flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki river, which converges with the Trishuli river and serves as a crucial water passage near Kathmandu, the capital city.
Videos circulating on social media captured the devastation caused by the flood, with houses and sheds being swept away by the swiftly flowing river surrounded by towering mountains. The extent of the impact on the small villages in the mountainous region remains unclear. Social media posts indicated that the government’s warning led to an evacuation in Arughat, a town situated along the river, which is a key link between Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Nepal is still grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic flood in August along the Nepal-China border, which claimed the lives of over 1,400 individuals and left thousands missing.
The office of Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the conclusion of search and rescue efforts for additional victims. The focus will now shift towards recovery operations, including the restoration of roads and bridges severed by the floods, especially in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has hindered aid distribution.
The government anticipates that the reconstruction process will require $4.77 billion. Approximately 33,000 individuals have been affected, with around 7,500 homes either damaged or completely destroyed.
