What does the report of the Flood Forecasting Division say about the destructive flow of Budhigandaki?

Kathmandu. The preliminary technical analysis has shown that the unusual flood in Chumanubri Rural Municipality-6, Tubhjen near Budhigandaki river, due to a landslide in the Himalayan region, the flow of the river was blocked and the water accumulated and then the barrier weakened or collapsed and a large flow suddenly came out. But the actual cause of the flood, the nature of the landslide and the role of the avalanche are yet to be confirmed by detailed studies.

In the preliminary report on the cause of the unusual flood in the Budhigandaki river and the impact on the lower coastal areas, published by the Flood Forecasting Division, it is mentioned that further factual and technical analysis of the flood is ongoing.

According to the report, the initial information about the abnormal flood was received from Tubje area at around 6 am on October 25th. After that, it was observed that the water level of the river rose sharply at the flood measuring center at Arughat. Information was received that the water level reached 8.43 meters at 8:40 am. After that, after the flood swept away the measuring center with the concrete bridge, no more direct water level information could be obtained from there.

The most important aspect of the report is related to the possible origin of the flood, geological sensitivity of the Himalayan terrain, the magnitude of the abnormal flow in the river and the role of the early warning system. It not only explained the events at that time, but also raised questions about the necessary monitoring and preparation to reduce the risk of such disasters in the future.