A flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River in Nepal’s central Gorkha district caused extensive damage to homes, bridges, and infrastructure early Sunday, October 11. The incident began at around 4 a.m. local time, and Nepalese officials have identified a landslide and a temporary blockage of the river as possible causes.
According to initial reports, a landslide in Chumnubri area of Gorkha district blocked the river’s course. After water accumulated behind the blockage, a powerful surge of floodwater swept downstream.
Reports indicate that around 35 to 40 houses in the affected areas, including Jagat, Salleri, and nearby locations, were destroyed or swept away. Several suspension bridges and bridges used by vehicles were also destroyed, while part of the infrastructure of a hydropower project was damaged.
Missing Persons and Rescue Operations
According to Reuters, five people—two women and three men—had been reported missing at the time of publication. Meanwhile, Nepalese officials said rescue teams had evacuated 49 people, including one foreign national, from the affected areas.
No flood-related deaths had been confirmed in the initial reports available at the time of publication. Army personnel, police, and rescue teams have been mobilized to search for missing people, assess the damage, and move residents to safe locations. Helicopters have also been deployed for rescue operations and to survey the affected areas.
Disruption to the Manaslu Trekking Route
The flood destroyed sections of the Manaslu trekking route and disrupted travel along parts of the trail by washing away several bridges. Local reports indicate that tourists have been stranded in affected areas. However, the exact number of stranded tourists and the situation of all groups have not yet been independently confirmed.
Local authorities have urged residents living along the river to move immediately to higher and safer ground. Safety warnings have also been issued for downstream areas because water levels could rise again.
Cause of the Flood Remains Unclear
According to local officials, no significant rainfall had been recorded in the upper reaches of the area. This has strengthened the possibility that a landslide created a temporary barrier in the river. However, the exact cause and sequence of events leading to the flood remain under investigation.
The incident comes after the Manaslu route had previously experienced flooding and bridge destruction. Nepalese authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and examine potential risks to downstream areas.
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