Nepal orders evacuations along Budhi Gandaki River after landslide-triggered flash flood
Nepal's authorities ordered evacuations along the Budhi Gandaki River on Sunday, 11 October, after sudden flooding hit the country's mountainous north-central region. No deaths were immediately reported, but several people are listed as missing.
Authorities in Nepal ordered residents to evacuate along the Budhi Gandaki River on Sunday, 11 October, after sudden flooding swept away homes and other buildings in the country's mountainous north-central region. The emergency comes as Nepal is still recovering from deadly floods in August.
Villagers fled to higher ground as the swollen river surged through narrow valleys. Aerial footage released by the Nepal Army showed floodwaters racing between mountains and residents being taken to safety. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority urged communities to stay alert until late Sunday.
No deaths were immediately reported, although several people were listed as missing.
Suspected cause
Preliminary accounts suggest the flooding began when a landslide blocked the river near Chumchure, in Gorkha district. The temporary barrier then gave way.
Background: the August floods
Nepal is still struggling to recover from devastating floods along its border with China in August, which killed more than 1,400 people and left thousands missing. Nearly 33,000 people were affected, and around 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed. The government estimates that reconstruction will cost $4.77 billion.
Authorities are now focusing on restoring roads and bridges damaged in the earlier disaster. This is particularly important in remote areas, where disrupted transport links have made it difficult to deliver aid.
