Evacuations ordered in Nepal as Budhi Gandaki flash flood destroys homes

Authorities in Nepal have ordered urgent evacuations along the Budhi Gandaki River after a landslide-induced flash flood destroyed buildings and left at least five people missing.

The flooding occurred in a mountainous region of north-central Nepal on Sunday. Euronews reported that a landslide initially obstructed the river's flow near Chumchure in the Gorkha district; the subsequent collapse of this natural dam sent a surge of water through narrow valleys. According to Al Jazeera, the resulting torrent burst the river's banks and swept away at least 45 houses.

Video from the Nepal Army depicted floodwaters rushing between mountains as rescue teams moved inhabitants to safety. Many residents escaped to higher elevations to avoid the rising water. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority instructed local communities to stay vigilant until late Sunday night.

While no fatalities have been confirmed, Reuters reported that government officials are focusing on moving villagers to safer areas. Euronews noted that efforts are also underway to fix bridges and roads in isolated locations where damaged infrastructure has hindered the distribution of relief supplies.

Background

The country is still dealing with the aftermath of massive floods from August that occurred near the Chinese border. Those earlier floods resulted in more than 1,400 deaths and affected nearly 33,000 people, with the government projecting a $4.77 billion cost for reconstruction.