Nepal Landslide and Flash Flood: 5 Missing in Gorkha District
A landslide and avalanche in Nepal’s Gorkha district triggered a sudden Budhi Gandaki River flood, damaging homes, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Five people are reported missing.
Dharshini
Nepal Landslide and Avalanche Trigger Flash Flood; Five People Missing
Gorkha District, Nepal, October 15, 2026: A landslide and avalanche in Nepal’s Gorkha district reportedly triggered a sudden surge in the Budhi Gandaki River on October 11, damaging homes, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Five people have been reported missing, according to the information provided.
A preliminary assessment by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reportedly indicated that an avalanche and the collapse of rocks and ice from a mountainous area at an altitude of around 6,000 metres temporarily obstructed the river’s flow. Water accumulated behind the obstruction before surging downstream with mud and debris, causing a flash flood.
Several riverside settlements and key infrastructure were affected. Homes, bridges and structures associated with hydropower projects reportedly sustained damage. Authorities also initiated evacuations to move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations.
The incident highlights the risks posed by avalanches, rockslides and temporary river blockages in mountainous regions. When such natural barriers collapse, accumulated water can rush downstream suddenly, threatening communities and infrastructure with little warning.
