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Nepal River Swells: Homes Washed Away, Bridges Collapse
11 Oct
Summary
- Muddy floodwaters surged in Nepal's Budhi Gandaki River, destroying homes and bridges.
- A landslide is suspected to have caused the river to dam and then burst its banks.
- Authorities warned downstream communities of further flooding and urged evacuations.
On Sunday, a sudden surge of muddy floodwaters in Nepal's Budhi Gandaki River caused widespread destruction in the Gorkha district. Several houses were destroyed or inundated, and three bridges, including two suspension footbridges and a steel bridge, were swept away.
The affected areas include Jagat and Salleri, with the camp of the 341-MW Budhi Hydroelectric Project also impacted. No casualties were reported as of Sunday morning, but officials warned communities downstream to move to safer locations.
Preliminary reports indicate that a landslide between Lokpa and Chumling blocked the river, leading to a buildup of water that eventually surged downstream. Residents reported hearing loud roaring sounds before the flood struck.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority warned that the river had risen above the danger mark. This incident follows devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa and Trishuli river regions just weeks prior.
