Flash flooding along the Budhi Gandaki river corridor in Gorkha, Nepal, has destroyed vital infrastructure, livestock shelters, and numerous residential homes. The sudden disaster struck after a landslide blockage near Philim in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-3 gave way around 4:30 am, sending a massive wall of water, mud, and debris crashing downstream.
According to local authorities and disaster management officials, the catastrophic surge caused widespread destruction across multiple settlements. This prompted emergency response efforts and high-alert warnings across downstream river basins.
Infrastructure and Property Damage in Gorkha
District Administration Office records show that the violent floodwaters completely swept away three key bridges linking isolated communities. These include the Machhikhola bridge connecting Dharche Rural Municipality, a bridge linking Soti in Arughat with Manbu, and a critical span between Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar in Ward 3.
Local leaders reported heavy residential losses, particularly in the Chumnubri Rural Municipality. Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Gurung stated that 35 houses were completely washed away in Paiyu and Bagar villages. Severe structural damage and inundation were also reported in Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat, and Salleri, alongside local market hubs.
Livestock and herders were also caught in the disaster. Four sheds situated along the Ungilung stream were washed away, resulting in the loss of 15 yaks and nak cattle. Four herders tending to the animals remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
Home Minister Sudan Gurung confirmed that personnel from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and local administration units were immediately deployed to execute search, rescue, and evacuation operations.
The Nepal Army utilized air and land assets to assess affected zones and extract stranded residents. Six individuals were successfully airlifted from Jagat village, where landslide risks remained dangerously high. Additionally, a Composite Quick Response Team dispatched from Kathmandu assisted local authorities in moving vulnerable riverside populations to secure locations.
High Flood Risk Declared Along Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Corridors
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), referencing data from the Flood Forecasting Division, issued severe flash-flood warnings as river conditions continued to fluctuate dangerously.
Authorities classified the Trishuli River stretch extending up to Benighat as a very high-risk zone, while the sector up to Mugling was designated at high risk. Residents inhabiting low-lying areas along the Budhi Gandaki and Trishuli corridors-specifically in Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet, and Arughat-were urgently advised to remain vigilant and stay on higher ground.
Disaster officials continue to monitor water levels closely while carrying out detailed damage assessments and ongoing search operations in the remote valleys of Gorkha.
