In brief
The Budhi Gandaki River surged through central Nepal’s Gorkha district, drowning dozens of homes and key infrastructure, including suspension bridges and a hydroelectric project. Roughly 50 people were rescued by the army, while five remain missing and no fatalities have yet been confirmed. The flood, which rose from 2 m to 8.5 m in hours, follows a series of catastrophic floods that claimed more than 1,400 lives two months ago, underscoring the region’s vulnerability. Local aid organisations are mobilising emergency teams, but families face uncertainty over shelter and supplies as the disaster response ramps up.
Flash floods devastate Nepal’s Gorkha district
By Navin Singh Khadka – Environment correspondent, BBC World Service
The Budhi Gandaki River suddenly swelled in the central Gorkha district of Nepal, sweeping away houses, several suspension bridges and damaging a hydroelectric project, authorities said. Within hours, the river’s height at a monitored point climbed from two metres to nearly eight and a half metres.
The army confirmed that around 50 people were rescued from the riverbank, with five still missing and no casualties reported so far. Local residents have been forced to abandon their homes, uncertain about where to seek refuge and how to secure essential supplies.
The flood arrives at a time when Nepal is still recovering from a catastrophic series of floods two months ago, which left more than 1,400 dead and thousands missing. Scientists suspect a landslide or an ice avalanche upstream may have temporarily blocked the river, causing the sudden release of water.
Save the Children has mobilised an emergency team, with director Tara Chettry expressing deep concern for children who have already endured the August disaster. The organisation warns that many children in Gorkha will remain traumatized and displaced amid the ongoing crisis.
The Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli River, itself subject to glacial melt risks. Emergency services are working to restore damaged infrastructure and provide relief while scientists monitor the river’s behaviour for further surges.
Source: BBC News, 26 minutes ago
