Flash floods swept through north-central Nepal Sunday, October 11, 2026, destroying bridges, destroying homes and inundating communities along the Budhi Gandaki River. Rescuers went on rescue operations and residents in vulnerable areas were advised to move to safer locations as the threat of further flooding remained high.
At least five people were reported missing after the disaster and rescue teams were trying to reach affected communities. No deaths were reported in the initial reports.
Landslide Suspected to Have Triggered Flooding
According to local authorities, a landslide near Chumnubri village in Gorkha district blocked the Budhi Gandaki River on Saturday. The sudden accumulation and subsequent release of water is believed to have triggered the flash flood on Sunday morning.
The affected area is about 100 kilometres west of Kathmandu. Mud, rocks and debris rushed downstream, damaging settlements and infrastructure.
The exact cause and sequence of events were still under investigation, and the landslide may have been responsible for the sudden rise in water levels, they said.
Bridges and Homes Destroyed
The flash flood caused damage to homes, bridges and other infrastructure in Gorkha district.
Several bridges were swept away, including suspension footbridges and a steel bridge connecting communities. A highway bridge connecting Gorkha with the neighbouring Dhading district was also destroyed.
Floodwater reached homes in several settlements and other homes were washed away or put at risk. Local estimates said that 35 to 40 houses had been swept away in some of the worst affected areas.
A construction camp in the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project was also destroyed. Floods swept away construction equipment, contributing to the economic and infrastructure damage.
Five People Reported Missing
Nepal’s disaster management authorities reported that two women and three men were unaccounted for following the flooding.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Nepal Army and police, were sent to the affected areas. Helicopters were also used to monitor the situation and help those in the most vulnerable places.
At least 60 people have been rescued, including foreign nationals, authorities said. But the terrain, damaged bridges and damaged transport links made it difficult for emergency crews to get to remote settlements and were a challenge for them to reach remote settlements.
Search and rescue operations continued as officials worked to find out where those missing were.
Another angle of the Soti Khola Bridge being swept away by powerful flash floods in Nepal https://t.co/vXnyWjUvXk
— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) October 11, 2026
Evacuation Warnings Issued to Riverbank Communities
Authorities urged people living on the Budhi Gandaki and other connected river systems to move to safer places. Warnings were issued for communities in several districts in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi and West Nawalparasi.
The river levels at different levels may also be changing and settlements downstream could be put at risk, officials said. Residents are advised to follow official advice and avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
The flooding also highlighted the vulnerability of mountain communities, where landslides can suddenly block rivers and create dangerous surges of water.
Nepal Faces Renewed Flooding Concerns
The disaster comes as Nepal, a mountainous country where natural hazards are still present, is still under constant threat from torrential rains and landslides.
The damage is being assessed by authorities and rescue efforts are continuing, while monitoring river conditions. The immediate priority is to find the missing people and to evacuate those who have been displaced and restore access to affected areas.
More information about casualties and infrastructure losses will be gathered as officials complete their assessments.
And the threat continues to be very serious and residents in the areas have been warned to remain alert until the danger has passed.
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