Landslide-dam breach suspected as flash flood tears through Gorkha's Budhi Gandaki valley

A mud-and-debris flash flood hit the Budhi Gandaki river system in Gorkha and Dhading districts at about 4am Nepal time on Sunday 11 October. Reports describe bridges and roughly 35 houses swept away in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, with trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit stranded. Missing-person figures differ between outlets: five (The Himalayan Times, citing the disaster authority NDRRMA, with 47 rescued) and "at least 10" (myRepublica).

No death toll has been published in the sources reviewed. A preliminary view, reviewed by ICIMOD, is that a temporary landslide blockage near Chumchet failed; the cause is unconfirmed. Damage at the 341 MW Budhi Gandaki hydropower site is still being assessed. The event follows the August Bhotekoshi disaster, and matters for families in Gorkha with relatives in the UK, and for anyone planning autumn trekking. Check embassy and operator advice before travel. Latest verified update: 11 October evening; figures may change.