Kathmandu, 26 August (H.S.): A sudden surge of floodwater from Tibet has caused extensive destruction in the Timure market area of Nepal’s Rasuwa district. The Lende Khola, also known as the Bhotekoshi River, has swollen dramatically. According to officials, the flooding in the Lende Khola has completely devastated Timure and two other nearby market areas.

According to Rasuwa Assistant Chief District Officer Dhruva Prasad Adhikari, the flooding has caused extensive damage to the market and the customs office area. A large number of vehicles and other goods were swept away in the floodwaters in the Rasuwa customs area. A newly constructed bridge, built at a location that had been damaged in last year’s floods, has also been washed away.

The District Police Office, Rasuwa, said a severe flash flood struck the settlement in Timure market at around 9 am on Wednesday. Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said the flooding had caused widespread damage. There were also reports of hydropower projects in the lower riverine areas being washed away and floodwaters entering residential settlements.

Three Nepal Police facilities have also suffered extensive damage. According to the Police Headquarters, the Area Police Office in Timure, the Police Post in Syafrubesi and the Police Post in Rasuwagadhi have been affected.

Meanwhile, floodwaters have reached Nuwakot district. Rupesh Prasad Nepal, information officer at the District Administration Office in Nuwakot, confirmed the development.

Vehicles Bound for Four Districts Stopped in Kathmandu

In view of the flooding in Rasuwa and the potential risks, traffic police have stopped vehicles in Kathmandu that were headed towards Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Chitwan and Dhading. Naresh Raj Subedi, Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Traffic Office, said vehicular movement towards these districts had been suspended in view of the flood situation.

Two Military Helicopters Dispatched to Rasuwa

Two Nepal Army helicopters have been dispatched to Rasuwa to assist with relief and rescue operations. Nepal Army spokesperson and Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet said both helicopters had been sent towards the flood-affected areas.

The Prime Minister’s Office has also instructed all helicopter operators to remain on high alert.

Alert Issued for Riverbank Areas in Five Districts

The government has urged residents living along riverbanks in areas traversed by rivers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan districts to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the Command Post, chaired by Home Minister Sudan Gurung, is underway to assess the situation and coordinate relief and rescue operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar