Nepal Army rescues 321 after Budhi Gandaki River flash flood

A sudden flash flood caused by the Budhi Gandaki River has struck the Gorkha district in central Nepal, destroying over 200 homes and several bridges. The disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has left at least five people missing and affected approximately 674 individuals.

Authorities and the Nepal Army believe the flood was triggered by a natural dam burst following a massive landslide of rock, ice, and earth in the high mountains. This landslide temporarily blocked the river, creating a reservoir that eventually breached, sending a powerful surge of mud and debris downstream. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is investigating the cause.

The Nepal Army conducted extensive rescue operations using four helicopters to evacuate 308 people from isolated areas, including Philim, Chumling, Arughat, Dobhan, and Hulchuk. An additional 13 people were rescued by land, including 12 foreign tourists. Military teams have also transported over six tons of emergency food and supplies to the affected regions. While no fatalities have been confirmed for this specific event, the region is still recovering from a separate catastrophic flood in August that resulted in over 1,400 deaths.