Rescue helicopters race to flood-hit Nepal villages as 5 reported missing

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Military rescuers raced to a flood-stricken region in north-central Nepal on Monday, airlifting food and relief supplies to the affected area and starting the evacuation of residents and tourists. Five individuals have been reported missing, with no deaths reported thus far.

The government credited an early warning system for allowing most people to seek higher ground before the flash flood struck. Sunday's disaster originated from a landslide that initially obstructed the Budhi Gandaki River near the village of Chumchure. The incident damaged or destroyed five bridges, halted the construction of three hydropower plants, and left dozens of houses and farms in ruins.

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed that 95 people, including nine foreigners, have been relocated to nearby towns. The flood-affected region is well-known among trekkers, and October marks one of the peak visitor seasons. Trucks are transporting food, tents, medicine, and other essential supplies to accessible areas, while army helicopters deliver provisions to isolated mountain settlements.

The Budhi Gandaki River flows into the Trishuli River and serves as a crucial waterway near Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Social media videos depict houses and sheds being swept away by the swollen river, flowing amidst towering mountains. It remains unclear how many of the region's small villages were impacted.

Nepal is still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating flood that swept through the mountainous border region with China in August, claiming over 1,400 lives and leaving thousands others missing. The government office of Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the cessation of search and rescue operations on October 5, as recovery efforts now shift towards repairing infrastructure.