A sudden and destructive flood has hit Nepal after a natural dam breach on the Budhi-Gandaki River, unleashing torrents of water that swept away multiple bridges, dozens of homes, and completely demolished a construction camp for a local hydroelectric power project.

According to initial reports, emergency responders managed to rescue approximately 50 people residing along the riverbanks, while five individuals remain unaccounted for as search operations are actively underway. Experts claim that the natural barrier had formed some time ago following a massive rockslide in the gorge through which the Budhi-Gandaki River flows.

The relentless accumulation of water behind the debris created immense pressure that ultimately ruptured the natural dam, sending a devastating wall of water downstream. Official figures indicate that the river's water level surged dramatically from 2 meters to 8.5 meters within a mere two-hour span.

Authorities supposedly managed to issue a warning to local residents some 20 to 30 minutes before the floodwaters struck, allowing many people to flee to higher ground and avert an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. However, the raging current obliterated a Bailey bridge used by hydroelectric plant builders, several suspension bridges, vital power transmission lines, and numerous riverside dwellings.

This disaster comes on the heels of previous catastrophic weather events that have severely strained the region's resources. Just days prior, Nepal concluded its prolonged search and recovery operations following massive floods at the end of August, a disaster that officially claimed 1,455 lives with an additional 5,285 people still reported missing.

Source: kun.uz