KATHMANDU: Four houses and a suspension bridge were swept away by a flood in the Therang River in Gorkha’s Chumanubri Rural Municipality on Sunday morning.

The flood struck areas of wards 4 and 2 of the rural municipality, according to the District Police Office, Gorkha. The houses belonging to Namrungkanurbu Ongyal (Nurbu Tshiring), Urgen Chhayoden, Lakpa Bhuti and Dorje Gyaljen were destroyed by the surging river.

No casualties were reported. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Shrestha, chief of the District Police Office, said the residents escaped to safer locations after noticing the rising water level.

The flood also swept away a suspension bridge, disrupting an important pedestrian route in the area. The damage is likely to create difficulties for trekkers traveling through the Manaslu region.

Chumanubri Rural Municipality Chairperson Nima Lama said local authorities could arrange a temporary alternative to restore pedestrian movement.

Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said the river was carrying large amounts of mud and debris, which temporarily obstructed its outlet and triggered flooding in the surrounding area.

As the Therang River eventually flows into the Budhi Gandaki River, authorities have urged residents living along the Budhi Gandaki corridor to remain vigilant.