Flash Flood Sweeps Away Up to 40 Houses in Nepal, Several Missing

A sudden flash flood in Nepal’s Budhi Gandaki River has caused widespread destruction in Gorkha district, sweeping away an estimated 35 to 40 houses, destroying several bridges and damaging hydropower project infrastructure.

The flood struck early Sunday morning, affecting the Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities. Several people have reportedly gone missing, prompting authorities to intensify search and rescue operations.

According to Narayan Prasad Sapkota, administrative chief of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, the flood swept away around 35 to 40 houses in Jagat Bagar, Salleri and Ghattikhola. Several other settlements were inundated, while nearby houses remain at risk.

The surging water also destroyed two pedestrian suspension bridges connecting Nyakchet with Sirdibas and Machhakhola with Keraunja.

A motorable iron bridge at Soti, linking wards 2 and 3 of Aarughat Rural Municipality, was also destroyed. Another bridge in Aarughat connecting Gorkha and Dhading districts was swept away, while a bridge linking Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar sustained damage, Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung said.

Several People Missing, Six Rescued

Five people staying in a temporary shelter along the banks of the Ungilung River in Chumchet have gone missing. Authorities have also been unable to contact four to five herders who were travelling from Sirdibas towards Chumling.

The Nepal Army rescued six people by helicopter from Jagat, an area at risk of landslides.

According to preliminary reports, no deaths or injuries had been confirmed as of the latest available information.

Hydropower Project Infrastructure Damaged

The flood swept away a construction camp and equipment belonging to the 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki hydropower project under construction in Salleri, Chumnubri-3. Several houses in Machhakhola were also submerged.

Meanwhile, around 20 to 22 houses in the Salleri area of Dharche-3 remain at risk from rising floodwaters.

Landslide Suspected as Possible Cause

Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the flash flood may have been triggered by a landslide near Chumchet that temporarily blocked a tributary before water suddenly surged downstream.

However, the exact cause of the flooding has yet to be confirmed. Satellite images of the area reportedly show signs of a major landslide.

Flood Risk Rises Along the Trishuli River

Meanwhile, fluctuating water levels have increased the risk of flooding across a wide area along the Trishuli River.

Authorities have warned of an extremely high flood risk in low-lying areas downstream up to Benighat and advised residents in Mugling, Chitwan and Nawalparasi to remain alert.

Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities assess the extent of the damage and monitor the risk of further flooding.