Gorkha:The Nepal Red Cross has ramped up its search and rescue operations in response to the sudden flooding of the Budhigandaki River, working diligently to locate affected individuals and distribute critical relief supplies.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the flooding began on Sunday morning due to a landslide between Lokpa and Chumling in Chumanbri Rural Municipality-6, Gorkha, which caused the river to overflow with mud. This resulted in significant destruction in the lower coastal regions.
Preliminary reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reveal that five people are currently unaccounted for. The disaster has led to the complete destruction of two concrete bridges, two suspension bridges, three hydropower projects, four mortar pits, and 45 homes. Additionally, 27 homes have suffered partial damage, along with 34 sheds and three vehicles.
In a rapid response, four Nepali army helicopters rescued 82 people, including nine foreigners. Rishi Khanal, General Secretary of the Nepal Red Cross Society, stated that volunteers have been deployed for immediate flood response and damage assessment, delivering essential non-food items to those in need.
Khanal explained that as soon as they received news of the flood, volunteers from Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur East and West were mobilized to warn residents and assist in the ongoing response. The Nepal Red Cross continues to send non-food items and other supplies to the affected areas.
On Sunday, essential items such as tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets, and dignity kits were dispatched, in collaboration with the Authority and the Nepali Army. Khanal also mentioned that two large tents, which can function as temporary hospitals, have been sent to the impacted area, with expert manpower mobilized to assist with the response.