Nepal flash floods sweep away houses, five people missing
Rescuers have been battling to rescue people affected by the flash floods in Nepal that swept 45 houses and left five people missing.
Flash floods struck central Nepal on Sunday, demolishing homes and leaving at least five people missing, according to officials. The disaster unfolded weeks after a devastating flood that killed hundreds earlier in the month. Debris-filled waters thundered through the hills of Gorkha district in videos shared online. National disaster agency chief Dharam Raj Uprety explained that a landslide had initially blocked the river before it burst and caused the floods.
Approximately 45 houses were carried away, and the floods also damaged three hydroelectric projects and four bridges. At least 82 people, including nine foreigners, were rescued from the impacted areas, but five remain unaccounted for. Four helicopters were dispatched to assist with rescue and evacuation operations as water levels in the Budhi Gandaki river continued to surge.
Authorities had previously warned residents to evacuate to safer zones. The recent flooding comes amid Nepal's ongoing recovery from a series of devastating floods in August, triggered by a glacial collapse that claimed over 1,400 lives and left more than 5,000 people missing. The latest incident bears a striking resemblance to that event, with witnesses describing the situation as frightening and reminiscent of a nightmare.
Local official Laxmi Gurung of Chumnubri rural municipality expressed her concern, stating that her home was destroyed and that they currently lack electricity, though there have been no reported casualties. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) emphasized that the flooding underscores the diverse hazards capable of inducing destructive floods in Himalayan river systems.
While immediate response efforts are crucial, understanding the causes of this flood will be vital for mitigating future risks and enhancing resilience, stated ICIMOD's director general, Pema Gyamtsho. Heavy rains in late September also triggered floods and landslides, resulting in at least 21 deaths, as per the disaster agency.
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