GORKHA, Oct 15: A total of 1,044 people, including 70 foreign nationals, have been rescued by helicopter from flood-affected areas of northern Gorkha since Sunday, as damaged roads, trails and bridges left residents stranded.
Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said the Nepali Army carried out the rescues, evacuating 96 people on Sunday, 321 on Monday, 186 on Tuesday and 441 on Wednesday.
Relief distribution has also been stepped up, with food, tents, mats, blankets, tarpaulins, solar panels and generators being delivered with support from the government and various organizations, Sharma said.
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Helicopters are being used to transport both relief supplies and stranded people. They deliver relief materials to affected areas and bring people back on return flights, he added.
Red Cross steps up response
Meanwhile, the Nepal Red Cross Society has intensified its response to the Budhigandaki flash flood, deploying volunteers for damage assessments and relief operations.
Secretary General Rishi Khanal said volunteers were mobilized in Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi East and West immediately after the flood alert. They disseminated warnings, while efforts are underway to deliver non-food relief items to affected communities.
“The disaster response operation is ongoing,” Khanal said.