GORKHA, Nepal, October 11, 2026 - A massive flash flood swept through the Budhi Gandaki River corridor in northern Gorkha district early Sunday morning, destroying houses, washing away bridges and damaging critical infrastructure. At least five to ten people have reportedly gone missing or remain out of contact, while more than 47 people have been rescued, according to preliminary information provided about the disaster.
The flood, carrying large volumes of black mud, rocks and debris, reportedly followed a landslide near Siringe Himal in Ward No. 6 of Chumanubri Rural Municipality. The landslide is believed to have blocked the Ungilung stream, a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki River, forming a temporary natural dam that subsequently burst and unleashed a sudden surge of water and debris downstream.
Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 35 to 40 houses may have been swept away. Severe damage has been reported in several settlements across northern Gorkha, including Jagat Bagar, Salleri, Paiyu, Bagar and Ghattikhola.
Bridges and Critical Infrastructure Destroyed
The powerful flood has reportedly destroyed multiple suspension footbridges, including those connecting Nyakchet with Sirdibas and Machhakhola with Kerauja. A motorable iron bridge at Soti was also swept away, while the motorable bridge at Aarughat connecting Gorkha and Dhading districts sustained catastrophic damage, with reports indicating that the structure was completely destroyed.
The disaster has also reportedly devastated the main construction camp, buildings and equipment associated with the proposed 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project, potentially causing substantial damage and disruption to project activities.
The destruction of bridges and river crossings has raised serious concerns about access to affected communities, the movement of rescue teams and the delivery of essential supplies to people in remote settlements.
Search, Rescue and Missing Persons
Although no deaths had been confirmed in the preliminary information available for this report, concerns remain for people who have not yet been contacted. Those potentially affected include herders and individuals staying in sheepfolds near the river.
Helicopters and emergency personnel from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have reportedly been mobilised for search-and-rescue operations. The situation remains fluid, and the number of missing people, the extent of the damage and the possibility of further casualties require official verification.
Downstream Communities Urged to Evacuate
Authorities have reportedly issued urgent warnings for residents in downstream settlements because the river continues to carry substantial amounts of mud and debris.
People living in Khorlabensi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet and Aarughat Bazaar have been urged to move immediately to higher and safer ground. Residents should avoid riverbanks, bridges and low-lying areas and should not attempt to cross swollen streams or rivers.
Even after the initial surge passes, additional landslides, renewed blockages and sudden releases of accumulated water can create further danger. Communities downstream should follow official instructions and remain alert until authorities confirm that the threat has subsided.
A Serious Challenge for Disaster Preparedness
The reported disaster highlights the vulnerability of mountain communities and critical infrastructure to sudden river surges triggered by landslides and temporary natural dams. In steep Himalayan terrain, such events can develop rapidly, leaving people with little time to evacuate and potentially isolating entire settlements when bridges and roads are destroyed.
For Nepal, the immediate priorities are to locate missing people, rescue those stranded, assess damage to homes and public infrastructure, restore emergency access where possible, and provide shelter and essential supplies to affected households.
A comprehensive assessment will be necessary to establish the final casualty figures, verify the extent of destruction and determine the full impact on the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project and surrounding communities.
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