Devastating Flood in Northern Nepal! Over 35 Houses Swept Away, Bridges Destroyed Disrupting Communication
**Nepal:** Once again, Nepal is reeling from a natural disaster. Early Sunday morning, a sudden flood hit the Buri Gandaki River in the Gorkha district of northern Nepal. In an instant, the water level of the river rose, sweeping away house after house and bridges. Hydropower projects have also been affected. According to preliminary estimates, more than 35 houses have been swept away. The Nepalese army, police, and local administration have launched rescue operations to tackle the situation. Helicopters are being used to evacuate residents from dangerous areas. So far, there have been no reports of casualties, according to administrative sources. However, a complete assessment of the damage has yet to be revealed.
## Flood at 4 AM, Residents Forced to Evacuate in Panic
According to administrative sources, the disaster occurred around 4 AM on Sunday in the Chumnubri Rural Municipality area of Gorkha district in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The sudden rise in water levels in the Buri Gandaki River caused rapid flooding in adjacent areas. Many residents faced danger in their sleep. They were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in safer places.
Preliminary reports indicate that one house after another has been swept away by the river's strong current. Several bridges and local communication systems have been damaged. There are fears of extensive damage in the area due to the flood.
## Extensive Damage in Three Areas, Multiple Bridges Have Collapsed
Ramkumar Gurung, a representative from Ward No. 3 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, reported that significant damage has occurred in the river-adjacent settlements of Salleri, Paiyuka, and Jagat. Many houses have reportedly been swept away by the river.
This disaster has also affected the important communication systems in the area. A suspension bridge has been swept away by the river. This bridge was one of the main means of communication with the relevant ward. Additionally, the bridge connecting Nyakche and Film Bazaar has reportedly collapsed.
As a result, it has become difficult to establish communication with the affected areas. There are concerns about problems in rescue operations and delivering aid to the victims.
Assistant Officer of Gorkha District Administration, Netraprasad Sharma, stated that according to preliminary estimates, nearly three dozen houses have been swept away. However, a survey is being conducted by the administration to determine the actual extent of the damage.
## Nepalese Army in Rescue Operations, Helicopters Being Used
As news of the disaster emerged, rescue operations began swiftly. The Nepalese army has deployed rescue teams via air and road. Helicopters are being used to rescue residents trapped in remote and dangerous areas.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on social media that rescue and search operations have commenced following the flood in the Buri Gandaki River. He also mentioned that six individuals have been rescued by helicopter from the Jagat area, which is at risk of landslides.
Additionally, a rapid response team from the army stationed in Kathmandu has been sent to the affected areas by air. The main objective of the rescue team now is to reach the remote hilly regions, assess the situation, and evacuate people in danger to safer locations.
## Police and Armed Forces in Relief and Rescue Operations
Alongside the army, the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local administration personnel have also engaged in rescue and relief efforts. They are attempting to evacuate residents from the affected areas to safer locations while delivering necessary aid.
To alert people living near the river, announcements are being made via loudspeakers. Residents have been instructed to move to higher and safer places as the water level may rise further and there is a risk of new landslides.
Particularly, residents of low-lying areas adjacent to the river and those on the slopes of the hills have been advised to remain vigilant. The rescue team is monitoring the situation.
## No Reports of Casualties Yet, But Concerns Are Growing
According to preliminary information from the administration, there have been no reports of casualties so far. However, the sudden disaster in the early morning has made the complete picture of the damage unclear. Due to the remote hilly areas and collapsed bridges, it is not possible to reach everywhere quickly. Therefore, it may take time to assess the actual damage.
Many families have faced uncertainty after losing their homes. The damaged communication systems have also made it a significant challenge to rescue the victims and deliver food and other essential supplies to them.
The administration is monitoring the situation. Alongside rescue and search operations, surveys are being conducted in the affected areas.
**This flood in northern Nepal has once again highlighted the severity of natural disasters in mountainous regions.** Currently, the administration is focusing on rescue operations. Authorities are awaiting further reports to determine if anyone is missing and the actual extent of the damage.
