Another flood in Nepal: dozens of houses and bridges destroyed

A powerful flood in Nepal's Gorkha district destroyed dozens of houses and several bridges. At least four to five people are reported missing, and rescue operations are ongoing.

 

The flood, which began early in the morning on Sunday, October 11, in Chumnubri municipality, also damaged roads leading to the Manaslu tourist area and the Tsum Valley. 

 

According to preliminary information, more than 35 houses in the settlements of Salleri, Bagare, and Ghattekhola were destroyed by the water flow. Some sources indicate the number of destroyed houses as 35–40. Also, the suspension bridge between Nyakchet and Sirdibas, the bridge connecting Machhikhola and Keraudja, and the reinforced concrete bridge in the Soti area were destroyed by the water flow.

 

The likely cause of the natural disaster may have been a landslide. According to preliminary estimates, the landslide blocked the Syar-Khola, a tributary of the Budhi-Gandaki River. After the resulting natural dam burst, water, mud, and stones rushed downstream at great speed. Local residents said they had never seen such a powerful flood in the river before.

 

As a result of the incident, the construction camp of the 341-megawatt Budhi-Gandaki hydropower project was also damaged. Meanwhile, 18 workers at another construction site survived because they were warned in time and moved to higher ground.

 

Information about the missing persons varies. The OnlineKhabar publication, citing Nepal's state news agency RSS, reported that four people had lost contact. Later, the Kantipur publication wrote that five people were missing. The flood also swept away four shelters intended for livestock and 15 yaks.

 

At least six people were rescued from the Jagat area by helicopter. The Nepal Army, police, and Armed Police Forces have been involved in the rescue operations.

 

The flood also damaged the Manaslu trekking route. Part of the road from Yaru-Bagar to Jagat was washed away, and above Lokpa, the road leading to the Tsum Valley was blocked. This area is popular among foreign tourists during the autumn tourism season.

 

Nepalese authorities have called on residents living along the Budhi-Gandaki River to move to safe locations. Warnings have also been issued for areas downstream of the river, including the Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi districts.

 

Information about the consequences of the natural disaster and the number of missing persons is being clarified. 

 

We recall that major floods also occurred on the border between Nepal and Tibet. In the powerful flood that began on August 26, 2026, at least 1,455 people died in Nepal, and another 5,285 people went missing.