Nepal Floods: 10 Missing, 6 Bridges Washed Away

The Cliff News | 11 October 2026

At least 10 people are reported missing following severe flooding in Nepal's Gorkha district. The deluge, which struck the northern region around 4 am on Sunday, has caused extensive damage, washing away six bridges and forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

Authorities are closely monitoring the Budhi Gandaki River, where water levels continue to fluctuate. Search and rescue operations are underway, with security personnel mobilized to assist in the relief efforts. The affected area is located approximately 184 km from Kathmandu.

Flood Devastation in Gorkha

The early morning floods overwhelmed the Budhi Gandaki River basin, causing widespread destruction in the northern part of Gorkha district. Assistant chief district officer Netra Prasad Sharma confirmed that 10 individuals have been reported missing since the flooding began. He stated, “An alert is in place as the river’s water level has continued to rise and fall. We are constantly monitoring the flow.”

The force of the floodwaters led to the destruction of six bridges, including two motorable bridges and four suspension bridges. Key crossings reported damaged or destroyed include those at Arughat, Tripurasundari, and Soti-Manbu. A Bailey bridge connecting wards 1 and 3 of Dharche Rural Municipality was also washed away, along with footbridges connecting various settlements.

Settlements and Infrastructure Damaged

Beyond the bridges, numerous settlements and houses have been severely impacted. Nearly 35 houses in the Painyu and Bagar areas of Ward 3 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality were swept away. Settlements in Jagat, Salleri, Dovan, and Ghattekhola also sustained significant damage. The local market in Chumnubri Rural Municipality also experienced extensive destruction, with the deputy chair, Laxmi Gurung, describing the scale of the damage as reminiscent of previous major floods.

Residents of riverside communities, including Chumling and Lokpa, were compelled to flee their homes around 4 am after hearing alarming roaring sounds from nearby streams. Tourists staying in local hotels also sought safer ground, according to reports.

Rescue and Evacuation Efforts Underway

In response to the crisis, the Nepal Army has deployed contingents via air and land to conduct search and rescue operations. Prime Minister Balen Shah announced the deployment, with helicopters also mobilized to aid relief and evacuation efforts. A joint rapid response team from Kathmandu was airlifted to the affected area to provide immediate assistance.

The Nepal Army reported that six individuals have been successfully evacuated to safer locations. Home minister Sudan Gurung emphasized the deployment of security personnel and helicopter teams to support rescue and relief operations. He also issued a warning about the continuously rising river flow, noting that muddy floodwaters had begun entering some houses in Ghattekhola.

Official Warnings and Assistance

Minister Gurung expressed concern over the destruction of a vital bridge connecting Nyakchet and Film Bazaar in Ward 3 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality. He issued an urgent appeal to residents living along the Budhi Gandaki riverbanks in areas such as Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet, and Arughat to move to higher ground immediately. For those requiring emergency assistance, a hotline number, 1234, has been provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Authorities are utilizing loudspeakers to broadcast evacuation warnings to riverside residents, urging them to prioritize their safety. The current flooding incident follows devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district on August 26, caused by the Bhote Koshi River. In that earlier event, approximately 1,455 lives were lost, and 5,285 people remained missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Officials in Gorkha are maintaining continuous monitoring of the Budhi Gandaki River's water levels as rescue teams work diligently in the affected areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official guidance.