Nepal Red Cross intensifies response to Budhigandaki flood

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Red Cross Society has stepped up its response to the flash flood in the Budhigandaki River, mobilizing volunteers and dispatching emergency relief supplies to affected areas.

On Sunday morning, a debris flow originating from Ungilung Stream near Chumling in Chumnubri Rural Municipality–6, Gorkha, blocked the Syar Khola. The blockage subsequently breached, triggering a flash flood in the Budhigandaki River.

According to a preliminary assessment by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, five people are missing. The flood damaged two concrete bridges, two suspension bridges, and three hydropower projects. It also destroyed four ritual fire pits (Hawan Kundas), 45 houses, and 34 animal sheds, while partially damaging another 27 houses. Three vehicles were also damaged.