GORKHA: More than 1,000 people have been rescued by helicopter from flood-affected areas along the Budhigandaki River in northern Gorkha.
Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said 1,044 people, including 70 foreign nationals, had been evacuated from Sunday through Thursday.
Residents and visitors were stranded after the floods damaged footpaths and bridges connecting the affected areas with other parts of northern Gorkha. Nepal Army helicopters have been deployed to rescue those stranded, Sharma said.
According to him, 96 people were rescued on Sunday, the first day of the flooding, followed by 321 on Monday and 186 on Tuesday. Another 441 people were evacuated on Wednesday.
Alongside rescue operations, relief distribution has also been stepped up in the affected areas. Sharma said the government and various organisations were providing essential supplies, including food, tents, mats, pillows, tarpaulins, solar panels and generators.
Helicopters have become essential for both rescue and relief operations after the floods disrupted road networks and trekking routes, cutting off access to several settlements.
“Helicopters are also being used to distribute relief materials. Those flying into the affected areas to conduct rescue operations carry relief supplies, while those returning transport people to safety,” Sharma said.
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