Nepal Flash Flood Sweeps Bridges, Homes in Gorkha; 10 Missing

A sudden flood carrying mud and debris surged down the Budhi Gandaki River in northern Gorkha on Sunday morning, sweeping away three bridges and more than a dozen houses. The deluge also damaged two hydropower projects and cut road links between Gorkha and Dhading districts.

Authorities suspect a landslide blocked the Ungilung Khola tributary near the Chum Valley, creating a temporary dam that later burst. An aerial inspection by the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project director confirmed floodwater originated from the Ungilung Khola via the Syarkhola, while the main river upstream flowed normally.

“Floodwater from the Ungilung Khola was seen flowing through the Syarkhola into the Budhi Gandaki. The Budhi Gandaki upstream of that point was flowing normally.”

Nepal Army helicopters rescued 48 stranded residents and airlifted them to safety. Ground forces and four helicopters remain deployed for search operations, while district officials urged riverside villagers to move to higher ground.

At least 10 people are still missing, though no fatalities have been confirmed. One mud house in Sirdibas was washed away completely, and water entered 5-7 homes in Machhakhola; around 20-22 houses in Salleri are considered at risk.

The disaster comes roughly six weeks after catastrophic floods on the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers killed more than 1,400 people nationwide. Technical investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the latest surge.