New Delhi: The sudden flood in Nepal on Sunday morning caused huge devastation in many areas of Gorkha district. After the water level in Budhi Gandaki river rose rapidly, water and debris entered Salleri, Jagat and surrounding settlements. According to initial reports, more than 35 houses have been washed away and four people are missing. The floods have also damaged several bridges and the structure of a hydroelectric project under construction. Army and police teams are carrying out relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Officials have advised people living in the lower parts of the river to move to safe places.
How did the outcry suddenly arise at four in the morning?
According to local people, at around 4 am on Sunday, loud noises started being heard from the Syar and Unlung rivers. After this the flow of water suddenly increased. People living on the river banks left their homes and ran towards higher places. Many families did not even get a chance to take out their belongings. The debris accompanying the flood caused damage to houses, cattle sheds and access roads. According to officials, due to continuing fluctuations in water level, the danger in the affected areas has not been completely averted.
Where did the four people go missing and how is the search going on?
According to reports in ‘Kathmandu Post’ and ‘Online Khabar’, four people living in a temporary cattle shed built on the banks of the Unglung River in Chumchet area of Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6 are missing. They used to take care of the animals there. Even the cattle shed could not be found after the flood. Local people are busy searching for the missing people, while police and army teams are also carrying out operations. Officials have not yet confirmed any deaths.
A short while ago: A devastating flash flood has swept away Salleri Bazaar (Market) and caused severe destruction in Jagat Bazaar along the Budhi Gandaki River, Gorkha District, Nepal. (Video provided by Umesh.) https://t.co/aK74PD0S5t
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) October 11, 2026
Did the flood occur due to blockage of the river by landslides?
The cause of the flood has not been finally known yet. Officials of Nepal’s Hydrology and Meteorology Department have expressed apprehension that a landslide in Chumchet area of Gorkha district may have disrupted the flow of a tributary of Budhi Gandaki. After this the accumulated water suddenly flowed downwards and flooded the river. Officials said satellite images showed signs of a major landslide. However, this reason is being considered as a preliminary guess until the investigation is completed.
Which bridges and projects were affected?
The flood has damaged the connectivity of many areas of Gorkha district. According to Nepal Police, two suspension bridges and one iron motorable bridge were washed away. Additionally, water entered many houses and some were completely washed away. The construction camp and equipment of the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project under construction in Salleri was also damaged. Movement between nearby settlements has been affected due to the breakdown of bridges. The administration is assessing the damage and efforts are being made to shift the affected people to safe places.
Can the danger increase in low-lying areas also?
Nepal’s disaster management officials have asked people living on the banks of Budhi Gandaki and Trishuli rivers to remain alert. Apart from Gorkha, a flood warning has also been issued in some low-lying areas of Tanahun, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Officials have appealed to people to avoid going to the river banks and leave the dangerous places in time. Relief and rescue teams are monitoring the situation.
Why were memories of the devastating floods of August refreshed?
The devastating floods in Nepal in August left 1,457 people dead and a large number missing. After that disaster, now the flood in Gorkha has increased the concern of the people living in the hilly areas. At present, a complete assessment of the damage caused by Sunday’s flood is yet to be done. The biggest challenge before the administration is the search for missing people, safety of the affected families and constant monitoring of the water level of the river.
