A sudden surge in the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, bordering China, caused extensive damage on Wednesday, killing eight people, according to local officials.

The flooding struck the district’s main market area, including Syaprubesi, at around 9am local time.

“A sudden flood in Rasuwa has caused damage to the market area including Syaprubesi,” Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar told ANI over the phone.

Pariyar said initial reports indicated that the flooding had caused significant damage to settlements and market areas, although authorities were yet to receive a complete assessment.

“There has been no rain here. The sun is shining. It is not clear whether there was a glacier burst upstream or what happened. The flood was sudden,” he said.

The authorities have urged people living along riverbanks in five districts — Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan — to move to safer locations as water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose sharply.

The Kathmandu Post reported that the government had not yet confirmed the number of deaths, injuries or the extent of property damage. However, preliminary reports from local officials indicated widespread destruction.

Rescue operations launched

The Nepal government has deployed two Army helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations following the sudden flooding.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has also called a meeting to review the situation and coordinate the government’s response.

Authorities have issued further warnings for communities along the Trishuli River as floodwaters move downstream, urging residents to relocate to safer areas.

The District Administration Office in Rasuwa has advised people living in riverside areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued the advisory at around 9.30am on Wednesday, citing a significant rise in the Bhotekoshi River’s water level.

Residents living near rivers and streams in the affected areas have been urged to stay alert and move to safer locations if required to minimise the risk of flooding and related disasters.

Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and gather information on possible casualties.