In Nepal, nearly 50 people have been rescued after a flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River swept away dozens of houses and bridges and damaged hydropower projects in Gorkha district. The flood struck around four AM today, sweeping through settlements in Chumnubri Rural Municipality. At least 10 people remain missing, while there have been no immediate reports of casualties. Nepal Army personnel and other security agencies have been deployed for search and rescue operations, while the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed. Four helicopters and ground teams are assisting in evacuations, with authorities urging residents living along the riverbanks to move to safer locations. Preliminary reports indicate that around three dozen houses have been washed away. A suspension bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim bazaar was also swept away.
The flood damaged facilities at the under-construction 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki hydropower project in Salleri and affected another hydropower project. A landslide in Chumnubri also reportedly swept away five cattle sheds.
The cause of the sudden surge in water levels remains unclear. Residents suspect that a blockage in the Syar stream, a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki River, may have triggered the flood. However, this has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, tourists preparing for the Manaslu trek have been stranded after floodwaters washed away footpaths and bridges. Officials said the tourists were safe at their accommodation.
