SATV, Kathmandu, Oct.11- A massive flash flood struck the Budhi Gandaki River early Sunday morning after a dry landslide blocked the river in Chumchet, Chumanubri Rural Municipality–6, Gorkha district, causing extensive damage to settlements, houses, bridges, roads and other infrastructure downstream.
According to Chumanubri Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Gurung, the flood swept away four to five settlements in Ward No. 3. The affected areas include Ghattikhola, Paiyun, Salleri and Jagat Bagar.
The flood reportedly occurred at around 3:30 a.m. after the river was obstructed by a dry landslide in Chumchet.
“Locals evacuated their settlements after receiving information about the flood, and no reports of human casualties have been received so far,” Gurung said. However, she added that houses and other physical structures had suffered extensive damage.
Authorities have yet to assess the full extent of the destruction, as rescue and assessment teams have not been able to reach all the affected settlements.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung said the flood had also swept away the bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar in Chumanubri Rural Municipality–3. He further reported that muddy floodwater had entered several houses in the Ghattikhola area and that the river's water level continued to rise.
According to the Home Minister, the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and local administration have been mobilised for rescue, relief and evacuation operations. Helicopters have also been deployed to the affected area.
The flooding has reportedly damaged vehicles on roads, project buildings and other infrastructure in downstream areas. Several bridges have also sustained damage.
Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division has urged people to stay away from riverbanks and move to higher ground until the floodwaters recede, warning of potential risks extending downstream towards the Trishuli confluence.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has called for urgent public awareness and the timely evacuation of people living in vulnerable riverside areas across Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi and West Nawalparasi districts.
Home Minister Gurung has specifically urged residents of Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Kholbesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat along the Budhi Gandaki River to move to safer locations immediately and remain on high alert.
For emergency assistance, the public has been advised to contact the Ministry of Home Affairs at 1234.
The full extent of the damage and the status of residents in the affected settlements are yet to be confirmed.
