Flash flood sweeps through Nepal’s Gorkha region on Sunday

A powerful debris-laden flash flood surged along the Budhi Gandaki River in northern Gorkha district, Nepal, sweeping away buildings, bridges, and infrastructure on Sunday.

An estimated 35 to 40 houses were swept away or severely destroyed across settlements like Jagat Bagar, Salleri, and Ghattikhola in the Chumnubri Rural Municipality. Around 10 people have been reported missing or out of contact including individuals staying in sheds and local herders, prompting intensive search and rescue operations. Several suspension footbridges and iron motorable bridges connecting key districts were destroyed.

Additionally, a construction camp and equipment at the site of the under-construction 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki hydropower project were heavily damaged. Local authorities and officials indicate that the sudden flood was likely triggered by a landslide upstream near Sirdibas village.