A sudden flood originating from Rasuwa dramatically increased the flow of the Trishuli River, putting an elderly couple collecting firewood on the riverbank at risk. The Nepali Army promptly rescued the couple with helicopter support.
Palden Tamang, 67, and his 62-year-old wife Mangali Tamang, residents of Lovdanda Milan Chautara in Vidur Municipality-1, Nuwakot, were gathering firewood on the Trishuli Riverbank early in the morning. They were unaware that the normally calm river would turn into a powerful torrent within hours.
Floodwaters from Rasuwa, flowing from China, suddenly surged and trapped the couple on the riverbank. Surrounded by rising water, they climbed a nearby tree to save their lives. Upon learning of the incident, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Nepali Army launched an immediate rescue operation. Despite challenging conditions, the army deployed a helicopter and safely evacuated the couple.
The authority said that once the floodwaters exceeded control, rescue efforts began immediately. While such rescues often fail due to the dangerous situation, timely coordination and the army’s swift response saved the couple’s lives.
