A sudden flood in Nepal's Budhi Gandaki River has caused major destruction in Gorkha district, sweeping away more than 35 homes and 6 bridges. 10 people are reported missing, while officials continue rescue and relief operations in the affected area.
The flooding began at about 4 AM on Sunday in the district's northern region. Residents of Chumling and Lokpa, along with tourists staying there, moved towards safer locations after hearing powerful sounds from nearby streams.
The floodwater was carrying large amounts of debris, and residents said the flow repeatedly slowed before surging forward. Many people left their homes without belongings because the rise in water gave them little time to respond.
Bridges and homes damaged
A total of 6 bridges were reported washed away. The damaged crossings include 2 motorable bridges and 4 suspension bridges. Bridges near Arughat, Tripurasundari and Soti-Manbu were among those affected, along with a Bailey bridge in Dharche rural municipality.
Several smaller footbridges were also swept away. In Chumanuwri Rural Municipality-3, homes in riverside areas including Saleri, Paiyuka and Jagat were carried away by the swollen river, according to ward chair Ram Kumar Gurung.
A suspension bridge connecting the ward and another bridge linking Nyakchet with Philim Bazaar were also reported destroyed. The damage has affected crossings used to connect local communities and may complicate movement for residents and rescue teams.
Rescue teams deployed
Nepal's prime minister ordered Nepal Army teams to take part in rescue and relief operations by air and over land. A joint rapid response team was airlifted from Kathmandu to support the emergency response.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung said helicopters had been deployed as the river level continued to rise. The aircraft are being used for rescue work, delivery of relief supplies and evacuation from affected locations.
Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and local authorities are working together in the response. Officials are also making repeated loudspeaker announcements, urging people living near the river to remain alert and move to higher, safer ground.
Landslide linked to sudden flooding
Gorkha Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra said initial reports indicated that a landslide had occurred above Siuribas. Local residents suspect that a blocked route of the Syar, a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki, between Lokpa and Chumling in Chumanuwri-6 may have contributed to the sudden flooding.
That local explanation remains an expectation rather than an established official finding. The available report said there had been no confirmed deaths at the time of the update, although 10 people were reported missing.
The emergency response is focused on locating missing people, reaching isolated settlements, moving residents away from the river and supplying those whose homes and local bridges have been destroyed. Officials continue to monitor the rising water and warn communities through public announcements.
Conclusion
The Gorkha disaster has washed away more than 35 homes and 6 bridges, with 10 people reported missing. Nepal's army, police, armed police and local administration are continuing rescue, evacuation and relief operations while officials assess the landslide and flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the flooding occur?
The flooding occurred along the Budhi Gandaki River in Nepal's Gorkha district, particularly in the northern part of the district.
Q. How many bridges were washed away?
A total of 6 bridges were reported washed away, including 2 motorable bridges and 4 suspension bridges.
Q. How many people are missing?
10 people are reported missing.
Q. How many homes were affected?
More than 35 homes were reported swept away by the flood and debris.
Q. Have any deaths been confirmed?
The available report said there was no confirmed death at the time of the update.
Q. Who is leading the rescue response?
Nepal Army teams, Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and local authorities are involved in rescue and relief operations.
Q. What was deployed for evacuation and relief?
Helicopters were deployed for rescue work, relief-supply delivery and evacuation from affected areas.
Q. What may have triggered the sudden flooding?
An initial report pointed to a landslide above Siuribas. Local residents suspected a blockage along the Syar tributary, but that explanation was not confirmed in the available report.
