Flood in Budhi Gandaki sweeps away homes, bridges and hydropower camp, at least 10 missing

A sudden debris-laden flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River has caused widespread destruction in Gorkha district, washing away homes, six bridges and the construction camp of a 341-megawatt hydropower project. At least 10 people have been reported missing, according to local authorities.

The disaster occurred early Sunday morning after a landslide in Chumchet, Chumnubri Rural Municipality–6, reportedly blocked the Budhi Gandaki River. The obstruction is believed to have caused water to accumulate before suddenly surging downstream with mud, rocks and debris.

Residents and tourists began fleeing to safer locations after hearing loud rumbling sounds from the Wingling and Syar streams from around 4 am. The river’s water level rose sharply at approximately 4:30 am, with water reportedly beginning to flow through the blocked section around 6:15 am.

The flood has severely affected settlements and infrastructure along the river corridor. Reports indicate that dozens of houses have been swept away, including approximately 35 homes in Paiyun and Bagar in Chumnubri Rural Municipality–3. The settlements of Jagat, Salleri, Dobhan and Ghattekhola have also sustained damage. Earlier reports confirmed that seven houses were washed away in Jagat, while two more were reportedly swept away in Machhikhola.

Six bridges, including two motorable bridges and four suspension bridges, have reportedly been destroyed. Among the damaged structures are the concrete bridges connecting Soti in Arughat with Manbu in Gorkha’s Dharche Rural Municipality and the Mid-Hill Highway bridge in Arughat. A Bailey bridge connecting Hulchok and Uhiya in Dharche, along with several suspension bridges linking settlements in Chumnubri and Sirdibas, has also been swept away.

The flood has also destroyed the construction camp and some equipment belonging to the 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project in Salleri, Chumnubri–3. The semi-reservoir project is being developed by Times Energy Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Sahas Urja Ltd., with an estimated investment of NRs 70 billion.

Authorities have warned that the rising water level poses a serious threat to downstream communities. The Flood Forecasting Division has identified the area from Benighat to Mugling as being at heightened risk, with an extremely high-risk warning issued for Benighat. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to move immediately to higher ground, while communities along rivers in Chitwan and Nawalparasi have also been advised to remain alert.

Police teams have been deployed to affected areas, and authorities are collecting further information about casualties and property damage. Although initial reports indicated no human casualties in some affected settlements, at least 10 people remain unaccounted for, and the full extent of the disaster is yet to be established.