The flood struck the northern part of Gorkha district around 4 am on Sunday, officials said. Floodwaters swept away six bridges and damaged several settlements. Residents were forced to flee to safer ground, and many had little time to prepare.
10 People Missing
Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma that 10 people have been reported missing since the flooding began. Security personnel have been mobilised for search, rescue and evacuation operations. Authorities are watching the river closely because its water level continues to fluctuate. That unpredictability makes rescue work risky and keeps downstream residents on edge.
Warning Signs Before the Flood
Earlier reports in the Chumnubri area point to a build-up. A landslide in Chaurikharka reached the Syar Khola, and a flood on the nearby Therang River later swept away four houses and a suspension bridge. Officials said that the flood came after the river’s outlet was blocked for a while. The Therang joins the Budhi Gandaki, and residents downstream had already been told to stay alert.
Why It Matters Beyond Nepal
Landslide-linked blockages can release water suddenly and with little warning, which makes them more dangerous than steady monsoon flooding. Nepal’s rivers feed into the wider Ganges system, so Himalayan floods can affect communities far downstream. The Budhi Gandaki valley is also on the popular Manaslu trek route, so the loss of six bridges may cut off villages and affect trekkers.
Search operations will continue while officials monitor the river. Restoring access through temporary crossings will be the next challenge. Residents along the Budhi Gandaki should follow official advisories and avoid riverbanks.
