At least five people missing as flash floods in Nepal sweep away houses

Nepal's authorities have called on villagers in the central region to evacuate to safer locations following a river flood that damaged several houses and infrastructure. No casualties have been reported, but two women and three men are unaccounted for. The army reported that 49 people, including a foreign national, have been rescued.

The cause of the flood was a landslide in Chumnubri village, Gorkha district, which blocked the Budhi Gandaki River. This triggered downstream flooding as the river overflowed. The Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli River. A glacier collapse in August led to a catastrophic flood that killed 1,457 people, though thousands remain missing.

Gorkha district's senior bureaucrat, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, urged villagers living along the river banks downstream to evacuate for their safety. The flood destroyed about a dozen houses, two suspension bridges, and damaged a hydroelectric project camp, along with some construction equipment. The rising, muddy river washed away a highway bridge connecting Gorkha with Dhading district.

National disaster authorities have alerted people in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi districts about the situation. They appealed for help to ensure people in at-risk areas are moved to safe locations promptly and to assist search and rescue operations if needed. Army and police rescue personnel have already reached the area and are monitoring the situation via helicopter.