Situation Overview:
A flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River early Sunday morning on 11 October 2026 caused significant damage across the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions of Gorkha District. Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 50 households were affected, with several houses washed away, communities displaced, and critical infrastructure damaged. No human casualties have been reported so far. The flood is believed to have been triggered by a landslide-induced river blockage that subsequently breached, releasing a large volume of water downstream. Major impacts include the destruction of suspension bridges in Chumnubri and Dharche, damage to houses and temporary shelters, the loss of the under-construction Sahaj Urja Powerhouse, and severe disruption to road connectivity after the Soti steel bridge and part of the Nayapul bridge were washed away. Detailed assessments and response efforts are ongoing, although access remains challenging due to damaged roads and communication disruptions.
Government authorities issued early warning messages and public safety advisories, urging communities living along the Budhi Gandaki and downstream Trishuli river corridors in Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi districts to remain vigilant, move to safer locations where necessary, avoid high-risk riverine areas, and follow the instructions of relevant authorities. Search and rescue operations, along with detailed damage assessments, are ongoing, although response efforts continue to face challenges due to damaged roads and communication disruptions. A level meeting was convened by NDRRMA with participation of relevant agencies and were requested to review the situation, assess damages and provide necessary coordination and directives for response. Response efforts include the deployment of 503 security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force; mobilization of four Army helicopters for search and rescue; 82 people rescued to safe place; dissemination of early warning messages to downstream communities; and activation of emergency response mechanisms at national, provincial, and district levels.
Nepal.