- A sudden flood in Nepal's Budhi Gandaki River destroyed 35 houses and damaged several settlements in northern Gorkha early Sunday.
- Authorities suspect a landslide upstream blocked the river, causing a surge of mud and rocks that forced residents to flee.
- No casualties are confirmed, though the flood washed away a suspension bridge and buildings belonging to a major hydropower project.
- Security forces are mobilized for rescue operations while downstream communities remain on high alert for further water level rises.
Gorkha, Nepal: A sudden flood in the Budhi Gandaki River swept away 35 houses in Paiyu and Bagar villages in northern Gorkha early Sunday, according to preliminary information received by the local administration. The flood also caused damage in several settlements and market areas of Chum Nubri Rural Municipality.
Local residents reported heavy damage in Salleri, Jagat and Machhikhola bazaars. However, the extent of damage in these areas has yet to be confirmed.
Laxmi Gurung, vice-chairperson of Chum Nubri Rural Municipality, said the flood entered settlements at around 4 am, forcing residents to flee to safer places. She said damage had been reported in Dobhan, Ghattikhola, Jagat and Salleri.
Residents said the flood swept away structures in Salleri Bazaar and damaged buildings in Jagat and Machhikhola. A suspension bridge leading to Kerauja was also reportedly washed away. The number of damaged houses, shops and other structures has not yet been confirmed.
No casualties had been confirmed in the preliminary reports available at the time of reporting. However, the situation in all affected areas was still being assessed.
Landslide Suspected of Triggering Flood
A landslide that may have blocked the Budhi Gandaki River or one of its tributaries is suspected to have triggered the flood. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause.
According to the District Police Office in Gorkha, police received information at 5:30 am that a landslide had blocked the river. Police teams from Sirdibas and Chumchet were then sent towards the affected area.
Police said water began flowing from the blocked section at around 6:15 am, causing a sudden surge downstream. The flood reportedly carried mud, rocks and gravel.
Local residents also reported landslides in Chhekampar, Chumchet and nearby areas of Ward No. 6 of Chum Nubri Rural Municipality. However, it is not yet clear whether these landslides caused the river blockage.
The preliminary report said there had been no reports of heavy rainfall in the upper reaches. However, the cause of the flood cannot be established without further investigation.
The reported timings also need clarification. Gurung said the flood entered settlements at around 4 am, while police said they received information about the river blockage at 5:30 am and that water began flowing again at 6:15 am.
Downstream Residents Warned
Authorities have warned people living along the Budhi Gandaki River to move to safer places because the flood could affect downstream settlements.
Police Inspector Aakash Kandel of the District Police Office in Gorkha said residents in parts of Sirdibas and Dharche Rural Municipality had been alerted. People in Khorlabesi, Machhikhola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat were also advised to move to safer locations.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued a similar warning for settlements along the river. Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dharma Raj Upreti, said areas including Sirdibas, Jagat, Yari, Tatopani, Machhikhola, Soti, Arukhet and Arughat could be at risk.
The Flood Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology also sent text messages to residents in riverside areas.
Flood expert Binod Parajuli said the warnings were based on an estimate that the flood could reach Arughat in about three hours. He cautioned that the timing could change depending on the river's flow and conditions upstream.
Security Forces Sent to Affected Areas
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force had been mobilised for rescue work and to assess the damage.
A Nepali Army helicopter was also being considered for deployment to survey the affected areas, according to preliminary reports. It was not clear whether the helicopter had been deployed.
The remote location and possible damage to roads and bridges could make it difficult for rescue teams to reach some settlements. Authorities were working with security agencies to help people at risk and collect details of the damage.
A camp building under construction for the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project in Salleri was also reportedly swept away. The extent of damage to the building has yet to be confirmed.
The preliminary account said the settlement in the area had previously been cleared after the government paid compensation to residents. Details of the clearance and compensation were not independently verified.
Authorities Urge Residents to Stay Away From River
Police have urged residents and travellers along the Budhi Gandaki River, including areas towards the Trishuli confluence, to stay away from the riverbank and move to higher ground if necessary.
Authorities have warned that water levels could rise again if another blockage forms upstream. Residents have been asked not to assume that the danger has passed even if the water level appears to have fallen.
The full extent of the damage and the number of affected and displaced families are still unknown. The reported loss of 35 houses remains a preliminary figure, while damage to market areas, bridges and the hydropower project facility needs further verification.
Authorities are expected to provide a clearer picture after rescue teams reach the affected settlements and complete their assessment. The cause of the flood also remains to be established.
