Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government had mobilised all relevant agencies for rescue and relief operations after a sudden flood struck Rasuwa district in northern Nepal on Wednesday, damaging settlements and market areas including Syabrubesi.

Shah said the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police had been deployed in the affected areas, with additional personnel being sent from other districts.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has also been activated, while authorities are coordinating with medical teams, the Nepal Scouts and the Red Cross to respond to the disaster, Shah said in a statement on social media.

Additional ambulances and medical personnel are being sent to the affected areas, he said.

Authorities have also been instructed to move residents living downstream to safer locations, with local officials using SMS messages and phone calls to warn people of the risk.

Shah said all available helicopters had been placed on standby for possible rescue and relief operations, while private helicopter operators had also been asked to keep aircraft ready.

A high-level meeting was due to be held shortly to decide on further measures, he said.

“Everyone should stay in a safe place. If you are unable to contact your relatives, please wait for updates from our rescue agencies,” Shah said.

The government has urged people seeking information about rescue and relief efforts to contact the hotline 1234.