Key facts
- A flash flood in Nepal's Gorkha district destroyed over a dozen houses and several bridges.
- The Budhi Gandaki River's water level rose sharply from 2 meters to nearly 8.5 meters.
- Authorities suspect a river blockage breach, not rain, caused the flood.
- Five people are reported missing, but no casualties have been confirmed.
- The Nepal Army is conducting search and rescue operations.
A flash flood in Nepal's Gorkha district on Sunday destroyed over a dozen houses and several bridges, forcing residents to evacuate. The surge in the Budhi Gandaki River, a tributary of the Trishuli River, caused water levels to rise sharply from 2 meters to nearly 8.5 meters within a couple of hours. Authorities suspect a river blockage breach, rather than rain, was the cause of the flood, though a detailed technical analysis is ongoing. Five people are reported missing, but no casualties have been confirmed. The Nepal Army has been deployed for search and rescue operations, including aerial reconnaissance and ground assessments. The flood occurred as communities were preparing to mark the Dashain festival, a major holiday in Nepal, leaving many families uncertain about shelter and essential supplies. A hydropower project was also damaged, with some construction equipment swept away.