Nepal Red Cross steps up search, rescue after Budhigandaki floods

KATHMANDU: Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has intensified search and rescue operations and is distributing relief after sudden flooding of Budhigandaki River following a landslide in Gorkha district.

The landslide struck on Sunday morning between Lokpa and Chumling in Chumanwri Rural Municipality-6, sending mud into the river and causing it to overflow. The flooding has caused widespread damage in downstream areas.

Preliminary figures from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said five people went missing in the flood. Authorities report the complete destruction of two concrete bridges, two suspension bridges and three hydropower projects, along with four mortar pits. Forty-five homes were destroyed and a further 27 were partially damaged; 34 sheds and three vehicles were also affected.

Four Nepali Army helicopters rescued 82 people, including nine foreign nationals, in a rapid response operation.

NRCS Secretary General Rishi Raman Khanal said volunteers have been deployed for immediate flood response and damage assessment and are delivering essential non-food items to those affected. He was quoted in Rastriya Samachar Samiti as saying, "As soon as we got word of the flood, we mobilised volunteers from Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur East and West. They sent out warnings, and our response is ongoing."

On Sunday the NRCS dispatched tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets and dignity kits in close coordination with the NDRRMA and the Nepali Army. Two large tents that can be erected as temporary hospitals have also been sent to the affected area, and Khanal added, "Expert manpower has been mobilised in the affected regions to assist with the response."