A sudden and destructive flash flood struck the Chumnubri Rural Municipality in northern Gorkha, Nepal. The flood swept through riverside communities, destroyed multiple houses and suspension bridges, and forced terrified residents and tourists to flee to higher ground.
According to local officials, the disaster unfolded early in the morning on October 11. Gorkha Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra reported receiving information about the major flood surge at approximately 4:35 a.m. Preliminary findings indicate that between 7 and 35 houses were destroyed across villages including Salleri, Paiyuka, Jagat, Paiyu, and Bagar due to rising waters and mud along the Budhi Gandaki riverbed.
Causes and Suspected Landslide Triggers
Investigations remain ongoing. Local authorities and residents suspect that a landslide above Siuribas or a temporary blockage along upstream tributaries may have formed an artificial dam that eventually breached. These tributaries include the Syar stream between Lokpa and Chumling in Chumnubri-6, and the Ugylung stream. Residents reported hearing loud, roaring sounds from the streams starting around 4:00 a.m. They noted that the water flow repeatedly stopped and resumed in the dark without any prior rainfall.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung confirmed that the raging waters also destroyed crucial infrastructure. This damage includes a suspension bridge connecting Ward-3 and another bridge linking Nyakchet and Philim bazaar.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) flood forecasting section issued urgent SMS alerts. These messages warned settlements along the Budhi Gandaki river up to Trishuli Dobhan to stay away from the riverbanks and move to high ground immediately.
Authorities deployed the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police to conduct rescue operations, distribute relief, and evacuate stranded individuals. Helicopters were mobilized for aerial assessments and emergency extractions as fluctuating water levels continued to pose a severe threat. Local authorities utilized loudspeakers to warn downstream communities-including Khorlabensi, Machakhola, Soti, Arkhet, Arughat, Chumling, and Lokpa-to relocate to safer areas.
Chief District Officer Mishra confirmed that no human casualties had been reported immediately following the disaster. The government has urged individuals requiring emergency assistance in the affected region to contact the Home Ministry’s dedicated hotline at 1234.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flash flood in Gorkha, Nepal?
Authorities suspect the flood was triggered by a landslide above Siuribas or a temporary blockage of upstream tributaries like the Syar stream. This blockage breached and sent a sudden surge of water and debris down the Budhi Gandaki river.
Which areas were hardest hit by the Budhi Gandaki river surge?
The hardest-hit areas include riverside settlements and villages within Chumnubri Rural Municipality, specifically Salleri, Paiyuka, Jagat, Paiyu, and Bagar, where numerous houses and suspension bridges were swept away.
Were there any casualties reported?
Fortunately, local authorities, including Gorkha Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, confirmed that no human casualties had been reported immediately following the early morning disaster.
What safety measures were taken by the local government?
Authorities issued urgent SMS flood alerts, deployed helicopters for rescue and evacuation, mobilized police and military personnel, and used loudspeakers to warn residents in riverside villages to move to higher ground.
Who should people contact for emergency assistance regarding the Gorkha flood?
Individuals requiring emergency assistance or updates regarding the flash flood can contact the Home Ministry’s dedicated emergency hotline at 1234.
