Flash flooding destroys homes in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Villages along the Budhi Gandaki river in central Nepal evacuated on Sunday as a flash flood devastated homes and structures. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority warned residents to relocate and remain on high alert until late Sunday. Initial reports indicate no casualties. The cause of the flash flooding remains under investigation, occurring in the river that feeds into the Trishuli river and serves as a major waterway close to the capital, Kathmandu.

Social media images show the river carrying away homes and sheds as it flows between towering mountains. It is unclear how many of the nearby mountain villages were affected. The government's warning led to evacuations in Arughat, a town on the highway linking Kathmandu to other regions. Nepal is still grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic flood in August along the Nepal-China border, which claimed over 1,400 lives and left thousands missing.

The Prime Minister's office announced on Monday that search and rescue efforts for further victims have been suspended, and resources will focus on recovery, including repairing roads and bridges obstructed by floodwaters, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where damaged infrastructure has hampered aid delivery. The government anticipates the reconstruction process will cost $4.77 billion, with nearly 33,000 individuals impacted and approximately 7,500 homes damaged or destroyed.