Budhigandaki flood: Army deploys four helicopters, rescues 36 people

Rescue operations are underway in Budhigandaki flood-affected areas, with the Nepali Army deploying four helicopters and ground teams.

According to the army, 36 people were rescued in the first phase — six from Jagat, nine from Nyakphedi, nine from Yaru (including an infant and a foreign national), and 12 from Payu.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the number rescued by helicopter later reached around 47.

The authority said about 437 security personnel have been deployed — 127 from the army, 133 from Nepal Police, and 177 from the Armed Police Force.

An additional police team of around 50 personnel has been kept on standby.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah said a Composite Quick Reaction Team based in Kathmandu has also been airlifted to the affected area.

The authority said the search continues for five people who were at a sheep shed in Ungilung, Chumchet, Chumnubri-6.

The authority said a separate team has been deployed to study the feasibility of restoring road operations and installing a Bailey bridge.

According to the authority's Executive Chief Dr. Dharma Raj Upreti, adverse weather initially hampered helicopter landings.

The authority said a team from the Arughat Area Police Office moved 24 people from the riverbank to a safe location.