Flash floods in central Nepal leave at least five people missing

Flash floods have impacted central Nepal, resulting in the disappearance of at least five individuals, according to officials. This incident follows recent severe flooding in the country that resulted in hundreds of fatalities. A landslide in Chumnubri village, located in Gorkha district approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Kathmandu, blocked the Budhi Gandaki River on Saturday, causing flooding downstream. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that two women and three men are currently unaccounted for, but there have been no confirmed casualties. The NDRRMA also stated that at least 82 individuals, including nine foreigners, have been rescued from affected areas. The floods have destroyed around a dozen houses and two suspension bridges, and have damaged a hydroelectric project camp, resulting in the loss of some construction equipment. A highway bridge connecting Gorkha with the neighboring Dhading district was also washed away. NDRRMA Chief Executive Dharam Raj Uprety noted that the Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli River, which experienced a catastrophic flood in August due to a glacier collapse, resulting in 1,457 deaths and leaving thousands missing. Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, the senior bureaucrat in Gorkha district, stated that villagers living along the riverbanks downstream have been urged to evacuate for safety. National disaster authorities have warned residents in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi districts about the flooding. The NDRRMA has requested assistance in ensuring that individuals in at-risk areas are relocated to safe locations and that search and rescue operations are supported. Officials reported that army and police rescue personnel have arrived in the area and are monitoring the situation from a helicopter. Local official Laxmi Gurung from Chumnubri rural municipality described the flood as frightening, stating, "The flood looked similar… It was very scary, and it still feels like a nightmare for us. Our house is gone, we have no electricity… but there have been no casualties." Heavy rainfall in late September had previously triggered floods and landslides that resulted in at least 21 deaths, according to the disaster agency.