Budhigandaki flood washed away Salleri Bazaar and hydropower project
GORKHA:- A massive flood in the Budhigandaki River has swept away the Salleri market area and the hydropower project’s camp. The floodwaters, laden with silt and debris, washed away the market area and all structures associated with the project.
The silt-laden flood, triggered by rising water levels in the Budhigandaki River, has damaged structures along the riverbank. The Gorkha District Administration Office reported extensive damage to physical infrastructure after the flood swept away the Salleri market and the hydropower project camp.
Fear has spread among local residents living along the riverbanks following damage caused by the flood. Settlements situated near the river are at risk due to the recurring cycle of the river becoming blocked and then clearing. The District Administration Office, Gorkha, has urged residents living along the riverbanks to remain alert and relocate to safer areas.
Gorkha’s Chief District Officer, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, stated that detailed information regarding the extent of the damage, whether there have been any casualties, and further details about the affected areas is still awaited.
He stated that a helicopter would be used to immediately inspect the site, gather precise details of the damage, and arrange for the rescue and relief of those affected by the disaster.
Netra Prasad Sharma, the Assistant Chief District Officer of Gorkha, stated that precise details regarding the damage would be made public once further information becomes available, as details concerning the actual extent of the damage, the causes of the flood, and the situation in the affected areas are still awaited. According to him, a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee is currently underway.
Nima Lama, Chairperson of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, stated that a flood originating from the Syar Khola tributary of the Budhigandaki River swept away the settlements of Jagat and Salleri, as well as a hydroelectric project camp, and washed away numerous houses along the riverbanks.
Local resident Serap Gurung reported that residents of Lokpa and other areas along the river fled to save their lives after the flood struck with a loud roar around 4:30 AM on Sunday.
The District Police Office, Gorkha, has reported that residents of Jagat, Salleri, Sirdibas, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet, and Arughat—located along the riverbanks—have been relocated to safe areas in view of potential risks.
