Nepal rescue helicopters race to flood villages as five people remain missing after Budhi Gandaki flash flood

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026 · last updated 12 October 2026.

Nepal's military has deployed helicopters and soldiers to reach communities along the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district after a landslide blocked the river near Chumchure, causing devastating flash flooding on Sunday. At least 95 people, including nine foreigners, have been evacuated to nearby towns, but five remain unaccounted for. Sunday's flood destroyed five bridges, dozens of homes, and damaged three hydropower construction sites. An early government warning allowed most residents to reach higher ground before the waters surged.

Videos show a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki being torn apart and swept downstream by the raging floodwaters.

Nepal is still recovering from an August 26 glacial collapse flood along the China border that killed more than 1,400 people and left over 5,000 missing.

Local official Laxmi Gurung said: 'Our house is gone, we have no electricity — but there have been no casualties.'