Himal Hub/ A sudden flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River has swept away houses and bridges, damaged hydropower project infrastructure and forced residents to evacuate settlements in northern Gorkha. Four people have been reported missing, while authorities have issued warnings to communities along the river and downstream areas.
The flood struck early Sunday morning in Chumnubri Rural Municipality after a landslide reportedly blocked a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki River. The sudden release of accumulated water sent a surge of mud, rocks and debris downstream, damaging settlements in Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities.
Local authorities have estimated that between 35 and 40 houses may have been swept away in affected settlements, including Salleri, Bagar and Ghattikhola. The full extent of the damage remains uncertain as officials continue to gather information from remote areas.
Four People Reported Missing
Four people who were staying in cattle sheds near Ungilung Khola in Chumchet have been reported missing after the flood swept away the structures and livestock. Preliminary reports also indicate that 15 yaks and female yaks were lost in the disaster.
Rescue and monitoring operations have been mobilised, with security personnel working alongside local authorities. The Nepali Army rescued six people from Jagat who were facing the risk of a landslide, while 18 workers at a hydropower project construction camp reportedly escaped to safety.
No deaths or injuries had been confirmed in the initial reports, although the situation remained fluid as authorities continued their assessment.
Bridges Destroyed, Transport Disrupted
The flooding has caused major damage to local infrastructure, sweeping away two suspension footbridges and a steel bridge, according to reports citing Nepal Police. A bridge connecting Aarughat in Gorkha with neighbouring Dhading was also reported to have been washed away.
The destruction of these crossings has disrupted movement between settlements and raised concerns about access for emergency responders and the delivery of essential supplies.
Floodwaters have also damaged a construction camp and equipment associated with the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project in Salleri. Several houses and temporary structures have been inundated, while other homes remain at risk as river levels fluctuate.
Downstream Communities Placed on Alert
Authorities have urged residents living along the Budhi Gandaki River to move to higher ground and avoid riverbanks. The warnings extend to downstream areas in Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and Nawalparasi West, where rising water levels could threaten vulnerable settlements.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has coordinated warnings and evacuation efforts as officials monitor the river. The Flood Forecasting Division has also reported elevated flood risks along sections of the Trishuli River, including areas downstream of the Budhi Gandaki.
Residents have been advised to follow official instructions, avoid damaged bridges and remain away from potentially hazardous river corridors until authorities confirm that conditions are safe.
Landslide Suspected, Investigation Underway
A landslide that may have temporarily blocked a tributary before releasing a sudden surge of water is the leading explanation for the flooding. Hydrologists have identified a large landslide near Chumchet in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, but the precise cause and sequence of events have not yet been conclusively established.
Such blockages can create temporary natural dams. When the accumulated water breaks through, it can carry large volumes of sediment, boulders and debris downstream with little warning, posing serious risks to settlements in steep mountain valleys.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage, monitor river conditions and coordinate rescue operations. The final number of affected households, the total economic losses and the full impact on infrastructure have yet to be established.
The immediate priority remains the safety of residents in vulnerable settlements. Authorities have urged people to take evacuation warnings seriously and move to safer locations without waiting for floodwaters to reach their communities.
