Budhi Gandaki flash flood in Gorkha: landslide-dam breach suspected as damage assessment continues

A flash flood struck the Budhi Gandaki river system in northern Gorkha at about 4am Nepal time on Sunday 11 October. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) says a landslide near Chumchet probably dammed the river temporarily before the blockage failed; Nepal's disaster authority (NDRRMA) made a similar preliminary estimate. Reported damage includes homes, bridges (including the Arughat link between Gorkha and Dhading) and the 341MW Budhi Gandaki hydropower project's Salleri construction camp. Communities along the Budhi Gandaki, Trishuli and Narayani systems were put on alert.

Casualty figures are not confirmed: reports mention missing people but give no verified toll. The exact trigger remains under investigation. The flood follows the 26 August Rasuwa–Bhotekoshi disaster, underlining the recurring risk to mountain communities, hydropower assets and families abroad with relatives in the area.