Budhi Gandaki Flood Destroys 35 Homes, Hydropower Camp in Gorkha

Kathmandu — A sudden surge of muddy, debris-laden water swept down the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha early Sunday, destroying dozens of homes, a suspension bridge and a hydropower construction camp, and forcing residents along the riverbanks to flee to higher ground.

The flood began around 4:35 a.m. and is believed to have originated near Chumke river in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, though local officials said water entered some settlements as early as 4 a.m. Authorities have urged people living downstream to move to safer locations.

Narayan Sapkota, chief administrative officer of Chumnubri Rural Municipality, said the river surged with a loud roar in the early hours and warned people to stay away from riverbanks and other high-risk areas. Videos shared on social media showed thick, muddy water carrying heavy debris and tearing away structures along the banks, drawing comparisons to the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi flood disaster. The Budhi Gandaki flood appeared to move more slowly, but residents said its scale made the situation difficult to assess.

The flood is suspected to have been triggered by a dry landslide that blocked the river at Chhekampar in Chumnubri on Saturday night. Residents said the river kept alternating between being blocked and flowing again, raising fears of further surges.

Local officials said 35 houses were swept away in the villages of Paiyu and Bagar. Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Gurung said Dobhan, Ghattikhola, Jagat and Salleri also suffered extensive damage, and that markets in Ward 3 were badly hit. Farther downstream, Machhikhola Bazaar in Gorkha sustained major damage, and a suspension bridge leading to Keraunja was washed away. Parts of the Salleri and Jagat bazaars were also damaged.

The flood also destroyed a construction camp of the 341-megawatt Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project at Salleri in Ward 3 of Chumnubri, and some project equipment was reportedly swept away. The semi-reservoir project has an estimated construction cost of NPR 70 billion.

The Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has activated the Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate essential health services, emergency treatment and medical assistance in potentially affected areas. The ministry urged residents along the Budhi Gandaki and other at-risk rivers to stay alert, move away from vulnerable locations and take precautions against further flooding. People in flood-affected areas who need medical help can call the ministry at 1115.