Landslide in Nepal triggers Budhi Gandaki flood: evacuation and search for five missing

Landslide created a natural dam

In central Nepal, the natural disaster forced residents to leave their homes urgently. A destructive wave on the Budhi Gandaki river destroyed dozens of buildings, damaging infrastructure and bridges.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal, the catastrophe was caused by a landslide near Chumchhure village. The earth blocked the riverbed, forming a natural dam. When the water broke through the obstruction, a powerful current rushed downstream.

Scale of destruction

The disaster swept away about three dozen houses and damaged or destroyed four bridges. A hydroelectric power plant construction site was also affected. Several power and communication line pylons along the river were damaged.

Authorities conducted evacuations of residents from dangerous zones and called on others to move to safe places. The warning remained in effect until late Sunday evening.

Army rescue operation

The Nepali army continues to search for people who have been cut off from safe areas. Helicopters and ground units are being deployed for the search.

As of Sunday afternoon, the military reported rescuing 49 people. At least five people are still missing. The exact number of affected settlements in the mountainous area is currently unknown.

Videos on social media show a rapid flow of water sweeping away structures between the mountains. Residents of Arughat city, located on the highway connecting Kathmandu with other districts, also evacuated following warnings from authorities.

Context

The Budhi Gandaki river flows into the Trishuli and is an important water artery near the capital, Kathmandu.

The country is still recovering from a massive flood in August on the mountain border with China. According to Associated Press, more than 1,400 people died at that time, and thousands of others remain missing.

It was previously reported that 56 Ukrainians were not found after the catastrophic floods in Nepal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke about ongoing searches.