Key Takeaways:

• Budhi Gandaki remains above the danger level with fluctuating flows
• Flood swept away three bridges and 35 houses in Gorkha
• Six residents were airlifted from landslide-threatened Jagat village
• Four people remain missing after livestock sheds were washed away

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11 The Budhi Gandaki River remains above the danger level and continues to fluctuate, prompting authorities to urge riverside residents to move to higher ground as floodwaters have swept away bridges and 35 houses in Gorkha district. In its latest update issued at 9:25 am on Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), citing the Flood Forecasting Division, classified the Trishuli River stretch up to Benighat as being at very high risk and the stretch up to Mugling as being at high risk. Riverbank residents in Chitwan and Nawalparasi were advised to remain alert as the flood risk there was assessed as moderate. Home Minister Sudan Gurung said Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force and local administration had mobilised rescue, relief and evacuation efforts after reports of flooding from Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha. According to Gurung, a bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar in Ward 3 was swept away, while muddy floodwater entered houses in the Ghattekhola area. He urged residents along the Budhi Gandaki river corridor to immediately relocate to safer locations. He specifically appealed to residents of Sirdibas, Jagat, Salleri, Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat to remain highly alert and move to safety. According to reports, the flooding began after water surged downstream when a landslide blockage near Philim in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-3 gave way at around 4:30 am. The resulting flow of water, mud and debris caused extensive damage along the river corridor. The Nepal Army deployed search-and-rescue teams by air and land to assess affected areas and possible obstructions. Six people were airlifted from Jagat village, where landslide risks remained high. A Composite Quick Response Team deployed from Kathmandu has also been advising residents in vulnerable riverside settlements to move to safer locations. According to the District Administration Office, the flood swept away the Machhikhola bridge linking Dharche Rural Municipality and the bridge connecting Soti in Arughat with Manbu. Four sheds along the Ungilung stream were also washed away, along with 15 yaks and nak cattle. Four herders who had been looking after the animals remain unaccounted for. In Chumnubri Rural Municipality, floodwaters swept away 35 houses in Paiyu and Bagar villages, according to Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Gurung. She said major damage was also reported in Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat and Salleri, including market areas in Ward 3. Police Inspector Aakash Kandel of the Gorkha District Police Office said residents of Khorlabesi, Machhakhola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat have been advised to relocate to safer areas as a precaution. No human fatalities had been reported at the time of reporting, while authorities were continuing damage assessments and search efforts in affected areas. The NDRRMA has urged residents living along the Budhi Gandaki and Trishuli river corridors to remain vigilant and follow official warnings as water levels continue to fluctuate.