Pokhara, 7 August| Continuous rainfall has triggered flooding in the Modi River, sweeping away two metal bridges connecting Kaski and Parbat districts. The flood, which occurred at around 2:15 a.m., also damaged the Annapurna Mata Temple located in the middle of the Modi River along the boundary of Annapurna Rural Municipality wards 5 and 6. Three people, including a saint priest and two devotees, remain stranded inside the temple, while an Armed Police Force rescue team has reached the site and begun efforts to bring them to safety.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailendra Thapa of the Armed Police Force, the two metal bridges connecting the Kaski and Parbat sides of the river were washed away by the powerful flood. The bridges had been constructed to provide access to the Annapurna Mata Temple, which is situated between the two sides of the river. With both bridges destroyed, regular access to the temple has been cut off, leaving the people inside dependent on emergency rescue efforts.
The flood has also caused significant structural damage to the temple. According to officials, around half of the temple structure has been affected by the rising water and strong river current. The continuing rainfall and fast-moving water have increased the risks at the site, making the rescue operation particularly challenging. Authorities are closely assessing the condition of the river and damaged structures before carrying out further rescue measures.
Three people are currently stranded inside the temple. They include one saint priest and two devotees who were unable to leave after the flood destroyed the two connecting bridges. The authorities immediately mobilized a specialized rescue team after receiving information about the incident. The team from Armed Police Force Nepal No. 24 Kalika Battalion in Kaski has arrived at the scene to coordinate and carry out the rescue operation.
The rescue team consists of four personnel trained in rope rescue and three divers. The team is assessing the river’s current, the condition of the temple and possible access routes before attempting to evacuate the stranded people. The strong water flow and damaged infrastructure have made the operation risky, but security personnel are continuing the effort with necessary precautions.
The flooding has affected not only the two bridges but also the surrounding infrastructure near the river. The damage to the Annapurna Mata Temple has raised concerns about the safety of religious and public facilities located close to major rivers and streams. The destruction of the two bridges has also disrupted local connectivity between the Kaski and Parbat sides, making movement in the area more difficult.
Officials are expected to assess the full extent of the damage after the immediate rescue operation is completed. Further information about the condition of the temple, bridges and surrounding structures is likely to become available following a detailed field inspection. The authorities have prioritized the safe evacuation of the three people trapped inside the temple while continuing to monitor the flood situation.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by communities and infrastructure located near rivers during Nepal’s monsoon season. Continuous rainfall can rapidly increase water levels and create dangerous currents, particularly in mountain and hilly areas. The destruction of the two metal bridges also demonstrates the vulnerability of temporary or lightweight river crossings during periods of extreme flooding.
As rescue personnel remain active at the site, the immediate focus is on safely evacuating the stranded priest and two devotees. The authorities are also expected to evaluate the damaged structures and determine the safety of the area once the floodwater recedes. The incident underscores the need for stronger infrastructure, effective early warning systems and adequate emergency preparedness in flood-prone areas.
