KATHMANDU: The Nepal Red Cross Society has intensified its disaster response efforts following a flash flood in the Budhigandaki River in Gorkha. The flood was triggered on Sunday morning when debris flow from Ungilung stream blocked the Syar Khola, causing it to burst and surge into the Budhigandaki River.

According to preliminary analysis by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, five people are missing. The disaster has caused significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of two concrete bridges, two suspension bridges, three hydropower projects, and four hawan kunds. Additionally, 45 houses were completely destroyed, 27 partially damaged, and 34 cattle sheds and three vehicles were impacted. The Nepali Army has successfully rescued 82 individuals, including nine foreigners, using four helicopters.

Nepal Red Cross Society General Secretary Rishi Khanal stated that volunteers from Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur were mobilized immediately upon receiving reports of the flood. He said, ‘As soon as we received information about the flood, we mobilized volunteers from Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur East and West. They disseminated early warnings. Response efforts are ongoing.’

The organization, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Nepali Army, has dispatched non-food items such as tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets, and dignity kits to the affected areas. Khanal noted that two large tents capable of housing field hospitals have also been sent. Expert teams have been deployed to assess the damage, and further relief supplies are being transported today in coordination with the government to support ongoing humanitarian operations.