Nepal landslide blocks river, sweeps away homes and bridges

Authorities in Nepal issued a warning Sunday to residents along the Budhi Gandaki River after a landslide blocked the river's flow and caused flooding in the country's central region.

The rising waters swept away homes and infrastructure, damaged a hydroelectric project site, and brought down a road bridge connecting two districts. As of the latest update from Reuters, no deaths or injuries have been reported.

The landslide occurred in Chhomrong village in Gorkha district, roughly 100 kilometers west of the capital Kathmandu. It was a dry landslide that dammed the Budhi Gandaki River, causing water to accumulate and flood areas downstream.

According to official reports, about a dozen homes and two suspension bridges were carried away by the current. A workers' camp at the hydroelectric project was also hit, though all 18 workers present managed to escape to safety.

Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli announced on social media that army forces had rescued six people from Jagat village after they were endangered by the landslide.

Meanwhile, Dhruba Raj Uprety, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said the river continues to rise, carrying mud and debris. A road bridge that connected Gorkha district to neighboring Dhading district has also been swept away, he said.

In response to the developments, authorities ordered residents living along the river to evacuate to safe areas. The warning was issued to residents in five districts: Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi.

The National Disaster Management Authority said on social media that it needs help evacuating people from at-risk areas ahead of time, and getting search and rescue teams ready in case they’re needed.

Army and police rescue teams have arrived in the affected area, and security forces continue to monitor the situation, including by helicopter.

Fears mount following deadly August flooding disaster

The current incident comes against the backdrop of a severe flooding disaster that struck Nepal in August. The Budhi Gandaki River is a tributary of the Trishuli River, and downstream in that river system a glacier collapse earlier led to deadly flash flooding.

According to Reuters, that disaster killed 1,457 people, with thousands more still listed as missing.