Fresh Flood Disaster Hits Nepal: Homes and Bridges Washed Away, Five Missing in Gorkha

A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Budhi Gandaki River swept away around 35 to 40 houses and several bridges in Gorkha district on Sunday, leaving at least five people missing and triggering emergency evacuations across vulnerable riverside settlements.

The flood struck Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities early on October 11, catching residents off guard as water surged through the mountainous region. Authorities said the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

A landslide that may have blocked a tributary is suspected to have triggered the sudden surge. Officials reported a major landslide near Chumchet in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, raising the possibility that water accumulated behind the obstruction before rushing downstream. However, the exact cause remains under investigation.

The flooding destroyed suspension footbridges and a steel bridge, disrupting connectivity between settlements. It also swept away a construction camp and equipment associated with the 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki hydropower project, which is under construction in the region.

Residents of Salleri, Jagat, Chumling and Lokpa fled towards higher ground after hearing loud roaring sounds from streams from around 4 am. Some escaped without retrieving their belongings, while tourists staying at local hotels also evacuated.

Nepal’s Army, police and local authorities were deployed for rescue and relief operations. Reports said 49 people had been rescued, while five remained missing. No deaths had been confirmed in the latest reports available.

Authorities warned communities downstream along the Trishuli River corridor about possible further flooding and urged residents to move away from riverbanks.

The disaster comes less than two months after catastrophic floods struck Nepal’s Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26. Official figures reported at the time put the toll at more than 1,400 dead, with thousands missing. The earlier disaster damaged homes, roads, bridges and essential infrastructure.