Kathmandu, Oct. 11 -- A sudden surge in the water level of the Budhi Gandaki River has swept away several houses in Gorkha, Nepal, prompting authorities to issue warnings and evacuation orders for settlements along the river on Sunday morning.

Officials are yet to ascertain the cause of the surge in water levels, accompanied by mud and sludge, which has swept away several houses along its path. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)'s flood forecasting section issued an alert for settlements along the river early on Sunday morning, warning of possible flooding.

"#SMSAlert October 11, Morning 06:40. A large flood is coming from Chumanuwmi Rural Municipality-6 of the Budhi Gandaki River, so until the flood ...