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Nepal Flash Flood: Villages submerged, trekkers rescued
13 Oct
Summary
- A flash flood on Budhi Gandaki river swept away homes and bridges.
- Five people are missing, and 82 people, including nine foreign nationals, were rescued.
- The disaster occurred at the start of the autumn trekking season.
On October 11, 2026, a significant flash flood surged down the Budhi Gandaki river in Nepal's Gorkha district. The event, triggered by a suspected landslide, caused widespread destruction, sweeping away houses, bridges, and essential infrastructure like power poles and telephone towers.
Initial reports indicate five people are missing following the disaster. However, a large-scale rescue operation has successfully saved 82 individuals, including nine foreign nationals who were in the popular trekking region. The flood occurred just as the autumn trekking season was commencing.
The destruction includes multiple suspension and motorable bridges, crucial for access in the mountainous terrain. An under-construction hydropower project also sustained damage, with its staff safely relocated. Authorities dispatched a team to investigate the flood's exact cause.
Early warning systems, including SMS alerts, were deployed, reaching residents in several districts. This proactive communication is credited with prompting many to move to safety, potentially preventing higher casualty numbers.
The flood has directly impacted popular trekking corridors such as the Manaslu Circuit and the Tsum Valley. The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal has advised postponing travel to the Manaslu region until authorities complete their damage assessments.
