A powerful flash flood tore through Nepal’s central Gorkha district on Sunday. It swept away homes, suspension bridges, and parts of a hydroelectric project along the Budhi Gandaki River. Authorities have launched rescue operations and urged downstream villagers to evacuate as emergency teams monitor the unfolding disaster.
Scale of Destruction Along the Budhi Gandaki River
The sudden flooding occurred after a landslide struck Chumnubri village in the Gorkha district. This area is located approximately 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The debris-laden torrent caused water levels at a local hydrological station to spike dramatically within hours. The water surged from two meters (6 feet 5 inches) to nearly 8.5 meters (27 feet 9 inches).
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the disaster caused widespread structural damage:
- About a dozen houses were completely washed away.
- Multiple suspension bridges and a highway bridge linking Gorkha to the neighboring Dhading district were destroyed.
- Construction equipment and camp infrastructure at a local hydroelectric project were carried away by the muddy sludge.
- A critical government hydrological station was swept away, cutting off real-time river data from the location.
Rescue Operations and Missing Persons
The Nepal Army successfully rescued around 50 people-including one foreign national-from vulnerable areas along the riverbank. They used helicopters and ground teams for the operation. District officials confirmed that five individuals, consisting of two women and three men, remained missing following the sudden deluge.
No immediate deaths had been officially reported as rescue and recovery efforts continued. Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Gorkha district’s senior bureaucrat, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated, “We have asked villagers living along the river banks downstream to evacuate and remain safe.”
Broader Impact and Ongoing Vulnerability
The disaster struck just as communities across Nepal began preparing for the Dashain festival, a major celebration in the national calendar. Families displaced by the floods are currently facing uncertainty regarding safe shelter and essential supplies.
Authorities have issued red alerts and evacuation warnings for residents in vulnerable areas across several districts. These include Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi. Humanitarian organizations, such as Save the Children, are mobilizing emergency response teams to assist impacted families and children who experienced previous major flooding events earlier in the year.
The Budhi Gandaki River serves as a tributary to the Trishuli river system. The region remains on high alert following catastrophic glacier-collapse floods in late August. Those earlier floods severely impacted border areas and left thousands displaced or missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flash flood in central Nepal?
Authorities and experts indicate that a landslide-potentially triggered by an ice-avalanche or slope failure-blocked the Budhi Gandaki River or its tributary upstream. This caused a sudden buildup of water that eventually burst through.
Are there any casualties reported?
As of the latest updates from district officials and the Nepal Army, no deaths have been reported, but five people remain missing.
Which areas were most affected by the flooding?
The disaster primarily impacted the Gorkha district in central Nepal, specifically along the Budhi Gandaki River. Authorities have also issued warnings for downstream districts including Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi.
How many people were rescued by authorities?
The Nepal Army and police rescue units successfully rescued approximately 50 people, including stranded residents and one foreign national. They deployed helicopters to monitor conditions and airlift families from danger zones.
What infrastructure was damaged?
The flood destroyed roughly a dozen homes, several suspension bridges, a vital highway bridge connecting Gorkha and Dhading, and construction equipment at a local hydroelectric project.
