Flash floods caused by a dry landslide hit central Nepal on Sunday, sweeping away houses and leaving at least five people missing. Videos circulating online showed a dark, debris-filled river surging through the hills in Gorkha district. The disaster occurred weeks after devastating flooding that killed hundreds. According to national disaster agency chief Dharam Raj Uprety, a dry landslide had blocked the river and then burst, causing the flood.
The flood damaged several infrastructure, including 45 houses, three hydropower projects, and four bridges. At least 82 people, including nine foreigners, have been rescued from the affected areas. Authorities deployed four helicopters to support rescue and evacuation efforts as water levels in the Budhi Gandaki continued to rise. The disaster agency and local authorities worked together to respond to the crisis.
The latest flooding comes as Nepal is still recovering from devastating floods triggered by a mountain glacial collapse on August 26, which killed more than 1,400 people and left over 5,000 missing. Local residents described the flood as similar to the previous one, with one local official, Laxmi Gurung, saying it was "very scary" and "still feels like a nightmare."
Heavy rainfall in late September also triggered floods and landslides, killing at least 21 people, according to the disaster agency. Authorities had earlier issued an alert, urging residents to move away from the river to safer areas. The government and disaster agency worked to provide aid and support to affected communities.
The flash flood caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, with many residents left without homes or electricity. Local official Laxmi Gurung reported that her house was gone, and there was no electricity, but fortunately, there were no casualties. The community came together to respond to the crisis.
Rescue efforts were ongoing, with helicopters deployed to support evacuation and relief operations. The national disaster agency chief, Dharam Raj Uprety, confirmed that five people were unaccounted for, and the search was ongoing. The government and disaster agency continued to work together to provide aid and support.
Nepal has experienced several natural disasters in recent months, including floods and landslides. The government and disaster agency have been working to respond to these crises and provide support to affected communities. The international community has also offered aid and assistance to Nepal in the wake of these disasters.
Key points
- Five people are missing after flash floods hit central Nepal.
- The flood damaged 45 houses, three hydropower projects, and four bridges.
- Nepal is still recovering from devastating floods that killed over 1,400 people in August.
