Flash Flood Sweeps Away Homes in Nepal’s Gorkha; Evacuation Warning Issued Along Budhi Gandaki River
A sudden flash flood in Nepal’s Gorkha district swept away several houses and damaged bridges and other infrastructure on Sunday, October 11, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings to communities living along the Budhi Gandaki River.
The flood struck the northern part of the district after a reported landslide blocked a river or stream, causing water to surge downstream with mud, sediment and debris. Officials were still assessing the damage and investigating the precise cause of the flooding.
Initial reports said no deaths had been confirmed at the time of publication. Residents in vulnerable riverside settlements were urged to move to higher ground and stay away from the river until the danger passed.
Authorities Issue Urgent Flood Warning
बुढीगण्डकी नदीमा आएको बाढीपश्चात् खोज तथा उद्धार कार्यका लागि नेपाली सेनाको फौज हवाई तथा स्थल मार्गबाट खटिई पहिरोको जोखिममा रहेको जगत इलाकाबाट ६ जनाको हवाई उद्धार गरेको । काठमाडौँमा रहेको composite quick reaction team समेत हवाई साधनबाट उक्त इलाकामा तैनाथ भएको । https://t.co/nCCqo5zdCB
— Nepali Army (@NepaliArmyHQ) October 11, 2026
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued an alert early Sunday morning warning of a major flood moving downstream from Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha.
The warning advised residents and travellers to avoid the riverbanks along the Budhi Gandaki River corridor up to its confluence with the Trishuli River. People in at-risk areas were urged to follow official instructions and move to safer locations.
Local authorities and police also used loudspeakers to alert communities as water levels rose and fluctuated. The warnings were intended to give residents time to evacuate before further surges reached downstream settlements.
Houses and Bridges Damaged
Several houses were reported swept away in settlements including Jagat and other areas along the river. Local reports also described damage to bridges, including suspension footbridges, as well as infrastructure linked to a hydropower project under construction.
The full extent of the destruction remained unclear as officials gathered information from affected communities. Reports differed on the number of homes lost, so a final damage assessment had not yet been established.
Residents and tourists reportedly left riverside areas after hearing loud sounds from streams feeding the Budhi Gandaki River in the early hours of Sunday. Some people moved to higher ground as a precaution against further flooding.
Landslide Suspected as Cause
Authorities suspect that a landslide blocked a stream or section of the river before the accumulated water suddenly surged downstream. Such blockages can create temporary natural dams. When the barrier gives way, water can rush downstream carrying mud, rocks and other debris.
However, officials had not established the exact sequence of events when the first reports emerged. The situation remained under assessment, and the possibility of further surges meant communities were being advised not to return to riverbanks prematurely.
Rescue and Monitoring Operations Underway
Police, security personnel and local officials were responding to the emergency, while authorities monitored conditions in affected areas. Reports said rescue teams were mobilised and aerial monitoring was being used to assess damage in difficult-to-reach locations.
Officials also warned communities farther downstream, as floodwaters could threaten additional settlements along the river system. The Budhi Gandaki is a tributary of the Trishuli River, making downstream monitoring important beyond the initial impact zone.
Residents Urged to Prioritise Safety
Authorities urged people to follow evacuation advisories, avoid bridges and riverbanks, and move to higher ground if instructed. Residents were also advised to keep away from floodwater and debris, which can remain dangerous even after water levels temporarily fall.
The situation was developing on Sunday, and officials were continuing to collect information on damaged homes, infrastructure and possible casualties. Further updates are expected as assessment and response operations continue.