Torrent of black mud and rocks engulfs settlements along Budhigandaki
Summary
A torrent of black mud and rocks has swept through settlements along the Budhigandaki in northern Gorkha, destroying homes, bridges and trekking trails and leaving five people missing. Helicopters and security personnel have been deployed as tourists and residents in the Manaslu region face disrupted access and rising fears of further damage.
Key Points
- A flood triggered by a landslide in Syarkhola devastated settlements along the Budhigandaki in northern Gorkha, with five people reported missing.
- Preliminary assessments say 45 houses were completely destroyed and 27 partially damaged, along with bridges, hydropower projects and livestock sheds.
- The Nepali Army deployed helicopters to rescue stranded people, while tourists in the Manaslu region remained safe but cut off by damaged trails.
- The flooding has severed road and foot-trail connections, leaving northern Gorkha increasingly isolated and dependent on air transport.
