Flash floods sweep central Nepal, forcing evacuations

Nepal’s government has instructed inhabitants across several central districts to relocate to safer ground following severe flash floods caused by intense rainfall and river overflows. The directive comes after waters rapidly inundated homes in affected areas.

Landslide blocks Budhi Gandaki River

In a matter of seconds, flooding engulfed residential structures. Officials reported that a dry landslide in Chumunubri village, located in Gorkha district approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Kathmandu, obstructed the Budhi Gandaki River. This blockage resulted in downstream flooding.

Dharam Raj Upadhyay, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, stated that the overflowing river, carrying muddy sediment, continues to rise. He confirmed that the surge swept away a highway bridge connecting Gorkha with the neighboring Dhading district.

Rescue operations underway

Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on social media that military personnel rescued six individuals who were at risk from the landslide. According to Upadhyay, eighteen additional workers from a hydropower project whose camp was damaged successfully fled to safety.

National disaster authorities issued warnings to residents living along riverbanks in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, Eastern Nawalparasi, and Western Nawalparasi districts regarding potential flooding.

Past flood statistics

The country experienced massive flooding last August. Recent data indicates that more than 1,400 people died during that event, while over 5,000 remain listed as missing.