Nepal’s military rescuers have reached an area affected by a sudden flood that occurred the day before. Helicopters and soldiers have delivered essential supplies to the Budhi Gandaki river region in north central Nepal and initiated the evacuation of residents and tourists. Five individuals are currently missing, with no reported fatalities as of now. Authorities credited an early warning system for enabling most individuals to seek safety at higher elevations before the flood struck.

The flood on Sunday was triggered by a landslide that obstructed the river near Chumchure village, resulting in the destruction of five bridges, three hydropower plant sites, and numerous homes and farms. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal informed that 95 individuals, including nine foreigners, have been relocated to nearby towns. The affected area, known for its trekking routes attracting hikers, experiences high tourist traffic in October.

Trucks are transporting supplies like food, tents, and medicine to accessible locations by road, while army helicopters are airlifting provisions to remote mountain communities. The Budhi Gandaki River, a significant waterway near Kathmandu, converges with the Trishuli River. Social media footage depicts structures being swept away by the swollen river amidst towering mountains, although the extent of impact on the region’s small villages remains unclear.

Nepal continues to recover from a catastrophic flood that ravaged the Nepal-China border in August, claiming over 1,400 lives and leaving thousands missing. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s office declared the conclusion of search and rescue operations on October 5, shifting focus towards infrastructure rehabilitation.