Flash Flood Sweeps Away Dozens of Homes in Gorkha, Nepal
KATHMANDU, Nepal — A sudden and severe flash flood tore through the Budhi Gandaki River basin in Gorkha district on Sunday morning, washing away approximately 35 houses and triggering widespread destruction in the mountainous Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions.
According to local authorities and disaster management officials, no human casualties have been reported thus far, though a comprehensive damage assessment remains underway as communication lines and remote terrain pose challenges.
The disaster struck around 4:00 AM, driven by a massive surge of water, mud, and sludge. Local officials suspect the deluge was caused by a landslide that temporarily blocked the river in Chumchet, Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6, creating a natural dam that eventually breached. Narayan Sapkota, Chief Administrative Officer of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, noted that the Ugylung and Syar streams had surged sharply, amplifying the river’s force.
“The water level had surged from early morning at around 4:00 AM, accompanied by a very loud sound,” Sapkota said. “We suspect a possible blockage of the river’s flow and that the resulting temporary dam breached.”
The devastation has severely impacted settlements in Chumnubri. Areas such as Paiyu and Bagar suffered significant damage, while Dobhan, Ghettekhola, Jagat, Salleri, Chumling, and Lokpa were also heavily affected. As the roaring floodwaters surged down the riverbed, terrified residents fled to higher ground in the dark.
Gorkha Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra confirmed that initial reports indicated multiple houses situated near the riverbanks, particularly in Jagat and downstream areas, were swept away.
In response to the sudden disaster, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and local emergency services sprang into action, issuing urgent SMS and loudspeaker alerts.
At 6:40 AM, the Flood Forecasting Section issued a stark warning: “A large flood is coming from Chumanuwmi Rural Municipality-6 of the Budhi Gandaki River, so until the flood passes, do not go near the river up to Trishuli Dobhan. Stay in high places.”
Authorities have placed downstream communities – including Sirdibas, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet, and Arughat—on high alert. Police and local administrators are actively patrolling riverside areas, urging residents to remain vigilant and evacuate immediately to safer, elevated locations as the threat of further instability persists.
The flash flood is expected to severely disrupt the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, as several affected settlements lie along their trekking routes. Trails, bridges, and local infrastructure may be damaged, making some sections unsafe or inaccessible. Trekkers should postpone travel through affected areas until local authorities confirm conditions are safe. Contact your trekking agency for the latest route updates before departure.
Stay in touch with us for the latest flood updates and trekking route conditions for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley treks.
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