Flash Flood in Gorkha, Nepal Destroys Over 35 Homes and Bridges
A sudden flash flood in Gorkha, Nepal, has devastated infrastructure, sweeping away homes and bridges just months after a deadly disaster.
More than 35 houses and bridges were destroyed in Gorkha due to a flash flood.
The flood was triggered by a rapid rise in water levels in the Budhi Gandaki River.
Nepal Army has been deployed for search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
A flash flood struck Chumnubri village in Gorkha, Nepal, on Sunday, resulting in the destruction of over 35 homes and bridges. This disaster comes just months after a catastrophic flood in August that claimed the lives of 1,457 individuals. The recent flood was caused by a sudden increase in water levels in the Budhi Gandaki River, a tributary of the Trishuli River, which surged significantly within a short time frame.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that the water level rose from 3.66 meters at 6:30 AM to 8.43 meters by 8:40 AM, surpassing the danger mark of 5 meters. Notably, the water level increased by over two meters in just ten minutes. Preliminary assessments suggest that the flood was not caused by rainfall but may have resulted from a blockage in the river that was subsequently breached, leading to the sudden surge of water.
Videos shared on social media depicted the river flowing with thick mud and debris, turning black and grey as it swept through the region. The NDRRMA indicated that further details about the flood's impact were limited, as the measurement center and bridge were also washed away. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far, but residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to evacuate to safer locations.
In response to the disaster, the Nepal Army has mobilized teams for search and rescue operations. They conducted aerial reconnaissance and ground assessments, successfully airlifting six individuals from Jagat, an area at high risk of landslides. A Composite Quick Reaction Team from Kathmandu was also dispatched to assist in the operations, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
This flash flood adds to the ongoing challenges faced by Nepal, which is still recovering from the devastating floods in August that resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. The Bhotekoshi River, which flows from the Himalayan border, was responsible for the earlier disaster, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and critical infrastructure. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, officials are focused on assessing the damage and ensuring the safety of affected residents.
