What Happened in the Budhi Gandaki River?

On October 11, 2026 (25 Ashoj, according to the Nepali calendar), a sudden surge of muddy water carrying black sediment swept through parts of the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha District, causing significant damage to local infrastructure and settlements.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. However, initial reports indicate that the flood affected multiple locations, including Chumnubri, Salleri, and Arughat. Concrete and suspension bridges, houses, and a hydropower facility were among the structures damaged or destroyed.

The cause of the sudden flood has not yet been confirmed. Hydrologists are investigating the possibility of a landslide blocking the river or an avalanche-related event in the upper Himalayan region.

Areas Affected by the Budhi Gandaki Flood

According to preliminary reports, the following areas have experienced damage or face potential risks.

1. Chumnubri-3, Sirdibas

A house belonging to Ram Bahadur Gurung in Sirdibas, Chumnubri-3, was reportedly swept away by the flood. Floodwater also entered another house in the area.

2. Salleri, Chumnubri-3

The flood reportedly washed away the under-construction Sahaj Urja hydropower powerhouse and approximately seven to eight nearby houses.

3. Soti, Arughat

The iron-and-concrete bridge at Soti, which connects Arughat-2 and Arughat-3, was reportedly washed away. The loss of this bridge has disrupted local transportation and access between the two areas.

4. Arughat-9, Naya Pul

The concrete bridge at Naya Pul, which connects Arughat in Gorkha with Dhading, suffered major damage. One of its three sections, on the Gorkha side, was washed away, completely blocking the road.

5. Salleri, Dharche-3

Approximately 20 to 22 houses in Salleri, Dharche-3, were reported to be at risk from the flood. Authorities are working to move residents away from vulnerable locations.

Note: These figures are based on preliminary reports. The complete damage assessment and any subsequent updates may change the reported numbers.

What Caused the Sudden Flood?

The cause of the Budhi Gandaki flood remains unknown, and investigations are underway.

According to Binod Parajuli, a senior hydrologist at the Flood Forecasting Division under the Center for Hydrology and Meteorology-related water resources research authorities, there were no recorded rainfall events in the upper Budhi Gandaki region.

The absence of recorded rainfall has raised concerns about other possible causes, including:

A landslide blocking the river: A landslide may have temporarily obstructed the river, allowing water to accumulate before suddenly breaking through.

An avalanche or high-altitude event: An avalanche or another sudden release of water in the Himalayan region may have contributed to the flood.

Parajuli indicated that the flood appears to have originated in the high Himalayan region, above inhabited settlements. However, neither explanation has been confirmed, and further investigation is needed to establish what triggered the event.

Budhi Gandaki flood — Debris flowing in Budhi Gandaki river

Image Source: Official Facebook Page of Manaslu Conservation Area Project

Rescue and Evacuation Operations Underway

The authorities have mobilized security personnel to assist affected communities and reduce the risk to residents.

A Nepal Army helicopter has been deployed from Kathmandu, while Nepal Police personnel are also operating in the affected areas. Police are helping evacuate residents from vulnerable settlements and move them to safer locations.

The immediate priorities are to protect residents, assess the damage, and determine whether other settlements remain at risk from additional flooding.

Could the Flood Affect Dhading, Tanahun and Chitwan?

Authorities have warned that the effects of the flood could extend downstream beyond Gorkha District.

Potentially affected areas include parts of:

Gorkha
Dhading
Tanahun
Muglin and surrounding areas
Chitwan

Residents living near the Budhi Gandaki River and connected downstream river systems should remain cautious and follow official safety instructions.

People in potentially affected areas should avoid riverbanks, flood-prone roads, and damaged bridges. Anyone noticing an unusual rise in water levels, heavy sediment flow, or other signs of danger should move to higher ground and alert local authorities.

Safety Advice for Residents

Until authorities confirm that conditions are safe, residents near the river should take the following precautions:

Move away from riverbanks and low-lying settlements.
Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers or damaged bridges.
Follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities and security personnel.
Keep children and vulnerable family members away from the river.
Monitor official notices from local administrations, Nepal Police, and relevant disaster management authorities.
Avoid spreading unverified information about the flood's cause or the number of casualties and missing people.

Latest Update on the Budhi Gandaki Flood

As of the initial report dated 25 Ashoj, the flood has caused extensive damage to homes, bridges, and hydropower infrastructure in parts of Gorkha District. Several settlements remain vulnerable, and evacuation efforts are underway.

The full extent of the damage, the number of people affected, and the exact cause of the flood have not yet been established in the information available for this report.

This report is based on preliminary information and should be updated as authorities release verified details. For the latest confirmed information, follow notices from the relevant district administrations, Nepal Police, the Nepal Army, and official disaster management agencies.

people moving in hill due to flood in budhigandaki river — People Moving up hills in Budhi Gandaki region

Image Source: Official Facebook Page of Manaslu Conservation Area Project

What Manaslu Trekkers Need to Know

The Budhi Gandaki flash flood has caused serious reported damage in Gorkha District, including houses, bridges, and hydropower infrastructure. Reports from Salleri and Jagat, along with warnings for settlements such as Dovan, Tatopani, Khorlabesi, and Machhakhola, make the incident particularly relevant to Manaslu Circuit trekkers.

The condition of individual trails, bridges, and road sections remains uncertain based on the information available for this report. The usual Machhakhola–Jagat route should not be assumed to be continuous or safe until it has been checked on the ground.

For trekkers who have not yet departed, the prudent decision is to wait for a fresh local assessment before starting the trek. Those already on the route should avoid moving through affected sections until their guide or reliable local authorities confirm it is safe.

The flood does not automatically mean the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek will remain closed for a long period. The immediate priority is to verify access, assess damage, and ensure that trekkers and local residents can move safely through the affected river corridor.

Kabiraj

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BUDHI GANDAKI RIVER FLASH FLOOD IN GORKHA