NepalTravel North Nepal flood: avoid riverside routes as Budhi Gandaki bursts, 5 missing
A landslide blocked and then breached the Budhi Gandaki River in north-central Nepal on Sunday, sending a flash flood through riverside villages. At least five people are missing and 49 have been rescued.
Residents along the Budhi Gandaki River in north-central Nepal evacuated on Sunday after a flash flood destroyed homes and other structures in the area. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority moved villagers out and warned others to relocate to safer areas, keeping them on alert until late Sunday.
Key facts
- When: Sunday, 11 October 2026
- Where: Riverside villages along the Budhi Gandaki River in north-central Nepal
- Cause: A landslide blocked the river near the village of Chumchure; the barrier then breached
- Missing: At least five people reported missing
- Rescued: 49 people by Sunday afternoon
- Damage: About three dozen houses swept away, four bridges damaged or destroyed
What happened?
A landslide initially blocked the Budhi Gandaki River near the village of Chumchure, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The dam created by the landslide then breached, triggering the flash flood that swept through riverside villages.
The flood swept away about three dozen houses and damaged or destroyed four bridges, along with a hydropower plant construction site. Several power and communication towers along the riverside were also damaged.
What is the current situation?
Nepal's army said it was continuing to rescue stranded people using helicopters and ground troops, and had rescued 49 people by Sunday afternoon. The disaster management authority reported at least five people missing.
The number of small villages affected in the mountainous area was not immediately clear. Social media posts indicated that the government warning prompted an evacuation in Arughat, a riverside town on the highway connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the country. The Budhi Gandaki River merges into the Trishuli River and is a key waterway near the capital.
What this means for travellers
The flood has affected riverside villages and infrastructure along the Budhi Gandaki River, including bridges and a highway linking Kathmandu to other parts of the country. Travellers in the area should follow warnings from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and move to safer areas if advised to do so.
Nepal is still recovering from August floods
The disaster comes as Nepal continues to recover from a devastating flood in August along the mountainous Nepal-China border that left more than 1,400 people dead and thousands more missing. The office of Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on Monday an end to search and rescue operations for additional victims, with authorities shifting to recovery, including restoring roads and bridges cut off by floods, particularly in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has made aid deliveries difficult.
The government estimates the rebuilding effort will cost $4.77 billion. Nearly 33,000 people have been affected and about 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed.