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Nepalese authorities have urged villagers to evacuate after a massive flood in central Nepal swept away several houses, destroyed two suspension bridges, and damaged a hydroelectric project.
The flood occurred on Sunday after a landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district, about 100 kilometres west of Kathmandu. Officials said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. However, authorities warned downstream residents to move to safer locations.
“We have asked villagers living along the river banks downstream to evacuate and remain safe,” said Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Gorkha district’s most senior bureaucrat.
The landslide blocked the river at Chumnubri village, causing water to build up and flood areas downstream. The Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli River. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued warnings for residents in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi and West Nawalparasi districts.
“Please help ensure that people in at-risk areas are moved to safe locations in time and assist search and rescue operations as needed,” the agency said in a social media post.
Meanwhile, army and police rescue teams reached the affected area. Officials were also monitoring the situation from a helicopter. The flood has raised new concerns in Nepal, where a glacier collapse in August triggered a catastrophic flood in another river system, killing 1,457 people and leaving thousands missing.
