A sudden flood in Nepal's Gorkha district has swept away 35 homes and several bridges, prompting warnings for residents near the Budhi Gandaki River to move to safer areas. The flooding struck Chumnubri Rural Municipality on Sunday morning and affected villages and settlements across the district.

The homes were reported washed away in Paiyu and Bagar villages. Officials also reported severe damage in Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat and Salleri. Water levels in the river were continuing to rise, according to Nepal's Home Minister Sudhan Gurung.

Bridges washed away across Gorkha

The flood destroyed the motor bridge connecting Soti and Manbu in Aarughat Rural Municipality. An old suspension bridge linking Nyakchet and Sirdibas in Chumnubri Rural Municipality was also swept away.

Other reported losses included the suspension bridge between Machhikhola and Kerauja in Dharche Rural Municipality. A permanent iron bridge at Soti, connecting Aarughat Rural Municipality with 3 villages, was also hit by the floodwaters.

Gorkha's Chief District Officer, Dhirendra Kumar Mishra, said authorities received information about the major flooding at 4:35 AM AM on Sunday. Officials were preparing to send a Nepal Army helicopter to assess the situation.

The flooding followed a landslide at Chumke Khola in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, according to rural municipality chair Nima Lama. The landslide blocked the river's flow before the water rose suddenly.

Warnings and rescue preparations

The Flood Forecasting Division issued SMS alerts urging people to remain cautious. Nepal's National Disaster Management Authority also advised people living along the riverbanks to take precautions.

Home Minister Gurung called on residents near the Budhi Gandaki River and in low-lying coastal areas to leave for safer places. The warning specifically covered Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Kholabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet and Aarughat.

Gurung said Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and local authorities were involved in relief and rescue work. Helicopter deployment to the affected areas was also being arranged.

Prime Minister Balen Shah said a Nepal Army unit had been deployed for search and rescue by air and land. He reported that 6 people were airlifted from the Jagat area, where there was a risk of landslides. A Composite Quick Reaction Team stationed in Kathmandu was also being transported by air to the reported locations.

Medical support for affected communities

A health emergency centre was activated after the sudden flooding. The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene said preparations were under way to provide essential health services, emergency treatment and other medical assistance in affected areas.

People needing health-related help were told to contact the 1115 helpline. The ministry's preparations add medical support to the ongoing work by security forces, local officials and other response teams.

The reported damage spans homes, river crossings and access routes in several rural municipalities. With bridges destroyed and floodwaters continuing to affect settlements, authorities have focused on warnings, evacuation and emergency access.

Conclusion

The verified impact includes 35 homes destroyed, several bridges swept away, 6 people airlifted from a landslide-risk area and continuing rescue and medical preparations. Authorities are urging residents near the Budhi Gandaki River to move to safer locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the flooding occur?

The flooding occurred in Gorkha district, including Chumnubri Rural Municipality and nearby rural municipalities.

Q. How many homes were swept away?

Floodwaters swept away 35 homes in Paiyu and Bagar villages.

Q. Which river flooded?

The flooding occurred in the Budhi Gandaki River.

Q. How many people were airlifted?

Prime Minister Balen Shah said 6 people were airlifted from Jagat because of the risk of landslides.

Q. What help is available for health emergencies?

The health authorities said people needing assistance can contact the 1115 helpline.