Full Breakdown
Flash Flood Ravages Budhi Gandaki River Corridor in Gorkha
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Early on October 11, a flash flood surged down the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district, Nepal. A landslide blockage near Philim in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-3 gave way, releasing water, mud and debris that swept away bridges, destroyed dozens of houses, damaged an under-construction hydropower project, and left several residents missing. No fatalities had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Background & Context
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) linked the flood to a dry landslide that blocked the river before bursting, a mechanism similar to the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi flood of August 26. Local officials also cited a possible temporary blockage of the Syarl Khola tributary. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Data & Statistics
- Missing persons: Ten reported missing (Assistant Chief District Officer) and five reported missing (NDRRMA).
- Rescues: 47 people evacuated by Nepal Army helicopters; six rescued from Jagat.
- Bridges destroyed: Six bridges—two motorable (Arughat, Tripurasundari, Soti-Manbu) and four suspension footbridges.
- Houses swept away: About 35 houses in Painyu and Bagar, plus additional homes in nearby villages.
- Infrastructure damage: Main camp and equipment of the 341-MW Budhi Gandaki hydropower project, two telephone towers and 50 electricity poles.
- Security deployment: 437 personnel from the Nepal Army, Police and Armed Police Force.
Official Statements & Responses
Home Minister Sudan Gurung ordered rescue, relief and evacuation operations and urged residents to relocate. NDRRMA sent early-warning SMS alerts to 221 emergency responders across five districts and advised continued vigilance.
Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra identified a landslide above Siuribas as the likely origin. Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma listed the bridges swept away.
Officer Dharma Raj Upreti, CEO of NDRRMA, announced a three-member team—including drone operators and geologists—to investigate the flood’s cause.
Senior hydrologist Binod Parajuli noted the absence of recorded rainfall in the upper basin, emphasizing the need to determine whether a landslide or ice avalanche blocked the river.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents fled to higher ground as waters receded briefly before surging again. Ganesh Karki, a resident of Jagat, said, “We have climbed up to the hills and are staying there.” In Ungiling, Chumchet, four herders remained unaccounted for after their cattle sheds were washed away; officials reported the loss of 15 yaks and nak cattle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Missing persons: Sources differ on the number missing (ten vs. five).
- Cause of flood: Officials point to a landslide blockage, while others suggest temporary damming of the Syarl Khola tributary or an ice avalanche; the precise mechanism is unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have climbed up to the hills and are staying there,” — Ganesh Karki, Jagat
- “The flood appears to have originated in the Himalayan region above human settlements,” — Binod Parajuli
- “Our team has been mobilised to the upper area of the Budhigandaki with a drone,” — Officer Dharma Raj Upreti
What’s Next
NDRRMA’s team will continue aerial surveys and drone mapping to pinpoint the blockage’s origin. Road and bridge assessments are underway, with the Department of Roads evaluating temporary Bailey bridges. Emergency medical teams remain on standby in Gorkha, Lamjung and Tanahun, and relief supplies continue to be distributed by road and helicopter.