Severe flash floods along the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha District swept away infrastructure and left residents missing on Sunday morning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said it evacuated villagers and kept others on alert to move to safer spots until late Sunday. No casualties were immediately reported.
In addition, 10 people have been reported missing since the flood hit the northern part of the district earlier this morning. An alert is in place as the river’s water level has continued to rise and fall. We are constantly monitoring the flow,
Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said the river washed away two motorable bridges at Arughat, Tripurasundari, and Soti-Manbu, plus four suspension bridges. Nearly 35 houses in Ward 3 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, specifically in Painyu and Bagar, were also swept away.
Prime Minister Balen Shah said a Nepali Army contingent deployed by land and air to perform immediate search, rescue, and relief tasks. Helicopters were mobilized to evacuate stranded people in the worst-hit parts of the Budhi Gandaki region.
The river’s flow is continuously increasing, and muddy floodwaters have entered some houses in the Ghattekhola area,
I sincerely request residents of these areas, especially those living along the Budhi Gandaki River, to move to safer places immediately and remain highly alert. Please remain calm and stay safe,
Gurung urged residents in high-risk zones, including Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet, and Arughat, to leave riverbanks immediately.
Conflicting Reports on Damage and Rescue
Discrepancies in early data highlight the confusion surrounding the disaster response. Local district officials report that 10 people remain missing and six bridges were washed away. Central sources and army reports present different figures.
The army said on Sunday it rescued 49 people from flood zones, while the district's top official confirmed five remain missing. Other reports indicate four bridges, nearly two dozen houses, and a hydropower project camp along the river were swept away.
The Nepal Army confirmed that six people were evacuated to safe ground within hours of deployment. This number is much lower than the rescue figures cited by other sources.
Disputed Casualty and Damage Figures
District Reports
Local Officials
- 10 people missing
- Six bridges destroyed
- Dozens of homes lost
Central/Army Sources
National Data
- Five people missing
- Four bridges destroyed
- 49 people rescued
Recovery Amidst Recent Tragedy
Nepal is still recovering from a deadly August flood along the mountainous border with China that killed more than 1,400 people and left thousands missing. The office of Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on Monday that search and rescue operations for additional victims had ended.
Authorities will focus on recovery efforts, such as restoring roads and bridges severed by floods, especially in remote areas where damaged infrastructure hinders aid delivery. The government estimates rebuilding will cost $4.77 billion.
- August 2026Border Floods
Devastating floods leave more than 1,400 people dead.
- MondaySearch Ends
Prime Minister announces end to search operations for previous victims.
- SundayGorkha Floods
Flash floods strike Budhi Gandaki River, leaving people missing.
The exact cause of the flash flood is still under investigation by the disaster management agency. The total number of villages impacted remains unclear. Final casualty figures are pending due to conflicting initial reports.
