GORKHA, NEPAL, October 11, 2026: A powerful flash flood swept through Nepal’s central Gorkha district early Sunday, washing away more than 35 houses, destroying bridges and damaging infrastructure at a hydropower project. The disaster prompted emergency rescue operations and evacuation warnings for communities living along the affected river.
The flooding occurred along the Budhi Gandaki River in the Himalayan country’s Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities. Videos circulating online showed muddy, debris-filled floodwaters surging through settlements and carrying away bridges and other structures.
Houses and Bridges Swept Away by Raging Floodwaters
The flash flood caused extensive damage to settlements, roads and bridges, disrupting transport links between remote communities. Reports estimated that between 35 and 40 houses were swept away, although authorities continued assessing the full extent of the destruction.
Several suspension and motorable bridges were also damaged or destroyed. Among the affected structures was a bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar in Chumnubri-3.
Infrastructure and construction equipment at a hydropower project were damaged as the floodwaters surged downstream. The destruction raised concerns about access to affected villages and the delivery of emergency supplies.
Landslide Suspected of Triggering Sudden Flood
Preliminary information indicated that a landslide may have blocked the Budhi Gandaki River or one of its tributaries, allowing water to accumulate before the blockage suddenly gave way.
Authorities said the flood was not believed to have been caused by rainfall. Nepal’s disaster management agency reported a sharp rise in the river’s water level, with readings increasing from 3.66 metres at 6:30 am to 8.43 metres at 8:40 am—well above the reported danger mark of five metres.
However, officials said a detailed technical investigation was still needed to establish the precise cause of the flooding.
Five People Reported Missing, Rescue Operations Underway
Nepal’s disaster management authorities reported that five people—two women and three men—were missing following the incident. Rescue teams were deployed to search for those unaccounted for and assist people affected by the sudden rise in water levels.
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force joined the response. Authorities also used helicopters for aerial assessments, rescue operations and the delivery of relief supplies. At least 49 people, including a foreign national, were reported rescued from the affected areas.
Officials urged residents in vulnerable riverside settlements to move to safer locations and remain away from riverbanks. Alerts were also issued for downstream areas because of the risk of further flooding.
Nepal Faces Renewed Flood Risks
The latest disaster has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Nepal’s mountainous communities to flash floods and landslides. Steep terrain, unstable slopes and rivers carrying large amounts of sediment can contribute to sudden and destructive flooding.
Nepal is also still dealing with the consequences of a devastating flood disaster in August, which caused extensive loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.
As emergency teams continue their operations in Gorkha, authorities are prioritising the safety of residents, locating missing people and assessing damage to homes, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
The final toll and the full extent of the destruction remain subject to further official assessments.
