On 11 October, in the Gorkha mountainous region of central Nepal, a sudden flood caused by a landslide that blocked the Budhi Gandaki River destroyed homes, bridges and part of the infrastructure of a hydroelectric project. At least five people are reported missing, whilst the army has rescued 49 people. The authorities are carrying out evacuations and warning of the risk of further rises in water levels.
Briefly about the main points
- A landslide near Chumnubri blocked the Budhi Gandaki and formed a natural dam.
- Local media reported that around 35 houses and six bridges had been swept away.
- Reuters and AP report that at least five people are missing, whilst Nepal News puts the figure at ten.
- The army deployed helicopters and ground units to carry out the evacuation.
- A flood warning has been issued for six districts along the river.
A natural dam burst after water had built up
The natural disaster began near the village of Chumnubri, approximately 100 kilometres west of Kathmandu. According to preliminary findings by the local authorities, the landslide blocked the course of a mountain river and created a natural dam.
Water had built up above the ceiling, and when it burst through, a torrent of water, rocks and mud rushed downstream. It engulfed the settlement in the river valley and caused widespread destruction.
In the river valley, settlements, crossings and utility networks have been damaged
According to Nepal News, a flash flood swept away around 35 residential buildings in the villages of Payu and Bagar. Local media also reported that six bridges had been destroyed, including road bridges and suspension footbridges.
Damage was reported in Jagat, Saleri, Dobhan and Ghattekhola. The floodwaters destroyed part of the construction site for a hydroelectric project and swept away equipment; the Associated Press also reported damage to electricity and telecommunications pylons. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The number of missing people is being clarified, and the military are checking the affected areas
Reuters and the Associated Press report that at least five people are missing. Nepal’s National Disaster Management Authority initially lost contact with two women and three men. Meanwhile, Nepal News, citing the district administration, reports that ten people are missing.
The Nepalese army has confirmed the rescue of 49 people, including one foreign national. For evacuation of the population Helicopters and ground units were deployed to survey the areas. At the time of the initial reports, there were no officially confirmed fatalities.
A hazard warning has been issued downstream along the Budhi-Gandaki River
Residents of settlements along the Budhi Gandaki and further downstream have been urged to move to safer areas. The warnings have been issued for the districts of Gorkha, Dhading, Tanakhon, Chitwan, and East and West Nawalparasi.
In Arugata, the water level has risen above the danger mark. The emergency services are asking residents not to go near the riverbanks, not to use damaged bridges, and to follow the instructions of the emergency services.
A new flood occurred whilst recovery efforts were underway following the August disaster
Nepal is still dealing with the aftermath of the massive floods in August 2026, which were caused by a glacier collapse near the border with China. According to Reuters, more than 1,450 people died at the time, and thousands were reported missing.
The Associated Press estimated the cost of repairing the infrastructure damaged at the time at approximately 4.77 billion dollars. As of 11 October, the authorities are continuing with the evacuation, investigating reports of missing persons and assessing the damage caused by the latest flooding.
