Flood in Budhigandaki: Latest Facts and Updates

The flood in the Budhigandaki River, which began Sunday morning, remains above the danger level, with fluctuating water levels, according to the Flood Forecasting Division. The division has identified the Trishuli River up to Benighat as a very high-risk zone, while the area up to Mugling is categorized as high risk. Moderate risk persists around the riverbanks in Chitwan and Nawalparasi.

Senior hydrology expert Vinod Parajuli from the division has urged local residents to take safety measures by moving to higher ground. At the Arughat station in Gorkha, water levels have risen above the danger mark, the division said. Government officials have advised people living in low-lying riverbank areas of Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahu, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West to remain vigilant.

Regarding the flood’s origin, senior hydrologist Parajuli detailed that a major flood struck the Chumchek area of Chumanubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha district at 4 a.m. Sunday. “The first flood at Arughat occurred around 6:30 a.m. Sunday and was minor. A second, larger flood hit at 7:50 a.m., though levels are now receding. A third flood has also been observed in the Arughat area,” he explained.

The flood destroyed the suspension bridge over Machhikhol River connecting Dharche Rural Municipality, according to Gorkha’s Assistant Chief District Officer, Netra Prasad Sharma. They also confirmed the washout of another suspension bridge linking Soti and Manbu in Arughat. According to national news reports, the flood swept away four animal shelters and 15 yaks tethered along the banks of the Ungilang Khola.