A significant flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River caused extensive damage early on Sunday in Gorkha district, northern Nepal, resulting in more than 35 houses being swept away along with several bridges. The flood also impacted a local hydropower project. The incident, which commenced around 4 am in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, forced authorities to take immediate action to evacuate residents living near the river.

The Nepali Army has mobilised personnel for rescue operations via both air and land. Helicopters are actively being used for rescues, relief distribution, and evacuating residents from high-risk areas. According to Netra Prasad Sharma, Assistant Chief District Officer of Gorkha District Administration, damage assessments indicated that around three dozen homes had been lost in Chumnubri Rural Municipality.

Local officials have advised people residing along the riverbanks to remain vigilant and seek higher ground, as water levels are expected to continue rising. The Gorkha district administration is working closely with various agencies to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of affected individuals.

Extent of Damage and Response Efforts

Ram Kumar Gurung, the ward chair for Chumnubri Rural Municipality-3, reported that specific areas including Salleri and Paiyuka were notably impacted as the flood ricocheted through the vicinity, causing significant destruction. Furthermore, the flood has reportedly damaged a vital suspension bridge that links different localities in the ward. Although no casualties have been recorded to date, concerns remain as the situation develops.

Prime Minister Balen Shah took to social media platform X to announce the deployment of military resources for search and rescue operations following the flood. He mentioned that six individuals were airlifted from the Jagat area, which remains vulnerable to landslides. Additionally, a rapid response team stationed in Kathmandu was dispatched to assist in the affected region.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung noted that the flood also eliminated the bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim bazaar, adding to the infrastructural losses. Various organisations, including Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local authorities, have been dispatched for rescue and relief efforts. Emergency announcements are being made through loudspeakers to alert residents about the rising water levels and to advise them to seek safety.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Concerns

The flood’s sudden onset startled residents in riverside communities, such as Chumling and Lokpa, who reported hearing loud roaring sounds from nearby streams from around 4 am. Many residents and tourists staying in local accommodations were compelled to evacuate to safer areas. Ram Kumar Gurung stated that due to the urgency of the event, residents could not gather their belongings before fleeing.

Witness testimonies indicate that the floodwaters surged unexpectedly, leading to confusion about whether a landslide had occurred or if streams had been blocked. Local resident Sherap Gurung pointed out that the unusually dark conditions made it difficult for individuals to ascertain the cause, particularly as there had been no recent rains.

As investigations continue, authorities remain uncertain about the trigger for the flood in the Budhi Gandaki River. Some residents hypothesise that the Syar stream, a tributary, may have experienced obstruction, causing the sudden influx of water. The lack of precipitation further complicates understanding the flood’s origins, heightening anxieties among residents.

The extent of damage is still being evaluated, as rescue operations proceed and officials work to assess affected areas. This recent deluge has reignited worries similar to those felt after the catastrophic flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district on August 26, which resulted in numerous fatalities and thousands missing. The current flood’s impacts have raised alarms in the Budhi Gandaki river basin, prompting authorities to persist in warning communities about potential risks associated with rising water levels.

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