Kathmandu, Oct 12: The Nepal Red Cross has been working tirelessly to locate those affected by the sudden flooding of the Budhigandaki River and to distribute much-needed relief supplies.
The trouble began on Sunday morning when a landslide occurred between Lokpa and Chumling in Chumanbri Rural Municipality-6 of Gorkha, causing the river to overflow with mud. This flooding has led to significant destruction in the lower coastal regions.
Preliminary reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority indicate that five individuals are currently unaccounted for. The disaster has also resulted in the complete destruction of two concrete bridges, two suspension bridges, three hydropower projects, four mortar pits, and 45 homes, with an additional 27 homes suffering partial damage, along with 34 sheds and three vehicles.
In a swift response, four Nepali army helicopters successfully rescued 82 people, including nine foreigners.
Rishi Khanal, the General Secretary of the Nepal Red Cross Society, shared that volunteers have been deployed for immediate flood response and damage assessment, working to deliver essential non-food items to those in need.
Khanal stated, “As soon as we got word of the flood, we mobilized volunteers from Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalpur East and West. They sent out warnings, and our response is ongoing.” The Nepal Red Cross is actively sending non-food items and other supplies to the affected regions.
On Sunday, they dispatched essential items like tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets, and dignity kits, collaborating closely with the Authority and the Nepali Army.
Additionally, Khanal mentioned that two large tents, which can be set up as temporary hospitals, have also been sent to the impacted area. He emphasized, “Expert manpower has been mobilized in the affected regions to assist with the response.”
