Nepal flash floods sweep away houses, 82 people rescued, 5 missing

Nepalese authorities have rescued more than 80 people so far, including nine foreign nationals, following a flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district. Five people remain missing. According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 82 people have been rescued with the help of four helicopters. The flood, which struck around 4 AM on Sunday, swept away houses and bridges and damaged several hydropower projects. More than 700 security personnel, including 171 Nepal Army soldiers, have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Four helicopters are being used to evacuate people and deliver essential supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses and sleeping bags.  Footage posted on social media shows a torrent of black mud and rocks hurtling downhill,destroying structures as residents scream, flee their homes and scramble for safety.
Preliminary reports indicate that around three dozen houses were swept away in Chumnubri Rural Municipality. At least 45 houses have been completely destroyed, while 27 others suffered partial damage. Three vehicles have also swept away. The disaster damaged two suspension bridges, two motorable bridges and three hydropower projects. 
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development has suggested that the flash flood may have been triggered by the sudden failure of a temporary blockage formed by a landslide near Chumchet in Gorkha district. Floodwaters carrying mud, sediment and debris surged downstream, prompting authorities to issue warnings for communities along the Budhi Gandaki, Trishuli and Narayani river systems.  
Meanwhile, several tourists heading for the Manaslu trekking route have been stranded after floodwaters washed away footpaths and a bridge. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project said the tourists were safe at their accommodation, although their onward journey had been disrupted. Authorities have urged people living along riverbanks to remain alert and move to safer locations as water levels continue to fluctuate. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the flood originated in Syarkhola, a tributary of the Budhigandaki, after a landslide reportedly blocked the Ungilung stream, which feeds into it. When the blockage gave way, a surge of water and debris swept into the Budhigandaki, devastating settlements along the river and sweeping away bridges and trekking trails.