Kathmandu, October 11
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has urged residents living along the Budhi Gandaki River to immediately move to safer locations and remain on high alert following a massive flood in the area.
In a post on Facebook, Gurung specifically appealed to residents of Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Kholbesi, Machhikhola, Soti, Arkhet and Aarughat to evacuate areas along the riverbank.
Gurung said he was seriously concerned by reports of the flood, which had swept away a bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar in Ward 3 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality in his home constituency of Gorkha. He also said muddy floodwaters had entered some houses in the Ghattikhola area and that the river’s flow continued to rise.
Calling the incident another major flood disaster for Nepal, Gurung said helicopters had been mobilised to the affected areas following the incident.
He added that the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and local administration had been deployed for rescue, relief and evacuation operations.
The home minister urged residents to remain calm and prioritise their safety. He also asked those in need of emergency assistance to contact the Ministry of Home Affairs.
