Temporary river blockage likely triggered Budhi Gandaki floods
Summary
A landslide near Chumchet in Gorkha district may have collapsed a temporary river blockage and triggered flooding in the Budhi Gandaki River on Sunday morning. The flood damaged homes, bridges and infrastructure, and prompted search, rescue and evacuation efforts along the river systems.
Key Points
- ICIMOD said a landslide near Chumchet may have blocked the river temporarily before collapsing and unleashing the Budhi Gandaki flood.
- The flood began around 4 am on Sunday and sent mud, sediment and debris downstream, affecting the Budhi Gandaki, Trishuli and Narayani river systems.
- Several people are missing, homes and bridges have been damaged, and the 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project site at Salleri, Gorkha, has also been hit.
- ICIMOD urged immediate response and better integrated monitoring of landslides and river systems to reduce future risk.
