Massive flood hits Budhigandaki River, at least 10 people missing

Gorkha: At least ten people have gone missing after a massive flood in the Budhigandaki River early this morning.

The flood has swept away at least six bridges and destroyed several houses in Gorkha district.

The flood struck at around four AM, causing widespread damage in Chumnubri Rural Municipality. Settlements in Jagat, Salleri, Dobhan and Ghattekhola have also been affected.

According to Netra Prasad Sharma, Assistant Chief District Officer of Gorkha, the flood swept away six bridges, including two motorable bridges and four suspension bridges. The motorable bridges in Arughat, Tripurasundari and Soti-Manbu have been reported damaged or swept away.

A Bailey bridge connecting Wards One and Three of Dharche Rural Municipality has also been swept away. Other damaged footbridges include those connecting Machhikhola with Kerauja, Thadobharyang with Jagat, and Ghattekhola with Philim.

Lakshmi Gurung, vice-chairperson of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, said the flood also caused significant damage to the market area in Ward Number Three of the rural municipality.

Authorities have urged residents of Khorla.bensi, Machhi.khola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat in Sirdibas and Dharche rural municipalities to move to safer locations amid the continued threat of flooding.

Police said no casualties had been reported so far, while a detailed assessment of the damage is still underway.

The flood threat has also increased downstream, particularly between Benighat and Muglin, after the water level in the Budhigandaki River rose above the danger mark.

The Flood Forecasting Division has urged residents of Benighat to move immediately to safer areas at higher elevations. People living near rivers in Chitwan and Nawalparasi have also been advised to remain alert, as there is a moderate risk of flooding in these areas.

Following a flash flood, the local administration has issued an alert for the people living along the banks of the Trishuli and Narayani rivers.

For the latest flood updates and warnings, the public can visit the Nepal Flood Information Facebook page or dial 1155 and select option two.