Nepal: Heavy rainfall has triggered devastating floods and landslides in Nepal’s Gorkha district, causing extensive damage to homes, bridges and other infrastructure. At least 45 houses have been completely destroyed, while five people remain missing. Rescue operations are underway to locate the missing individuals, and authorities have so far rescued 95 people from affected areas.
Three Stranded People Rescued by Helicopter
Relief and rescue operations are continuing in Chumnubri Rural Municipality of Gorkha district. According to the Nepalese Army, three people stranded in the Dhauli Bhir area near the Ungilung River were rescued by helicopter on Sunday evening. The area falls under Ward No. 6 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality.
Municipal Chief Administrative Officer Narayan Sapkota said the three individuals became stranded following a landslide on Sunday morning. They were at a location where an enclosure had been built to keep livestock. An army helicopter later transported them safely to Philim.
By Sunday evening, a total of 95 people had been rescued with the assistance of four helicopters, including an MI-17, and ground rescue teams. More than 700 security personnel have been deployed for the operation, including 171 Nepalese Army personnel.
Rescue Operations Conducted Across Multiple Locations
According to a report by The Rising Nepal, extensive rescue operations were carried out to evacuate people stranded in flood-hit areas.
The rescue teams evacuated 17 people from Jagat, 22 from Yaru, 13 from Thulodhunga, three from Dobhan, two from Philim, 17 from Nyakfedi, 12 from Payu, three from Namrung, three from Deng and three from Dhauli.
Security forces and rescue teams continue to search affected areas. Difficult access to remote mountainous locations and the risk of further landslides are creating challenges for rescue workers. Authorities are prioritising the search for missing people and the relocation of affected families to safer places.
45 Houses Destroyed, Bridges and Hydropower Projects Damaged
According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, five people remain missing, including two women. The floods and landslides have damaged residential areas as well as essential infrastructure.
Official figures indicate that 45 houses have been completely destroyed, while 27 others have suffered partial damage. Two suspension bridges and two motorable bridges have also been damaged. In addition, three hydropower projects and 34 livestock shelters have been affected. Three vehicles were swept away by floodwaters.
The destruction has created serious difficulties for local residents, particularly in terms of housing, livelihoods and access to essential services. Several families have been forced to move to safer locations, while damaged roads and bridges are making it difficult for rescue teams to reach some affected areas.
Relief Supplies Being Delivered to Affected Families
Alongside rescue operations, authorities are distributing essential supplies to affected residents. Relief materials include tents, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags and basic kitchen supplies.
These materials are intended to support families whose homes have been destroyed or who have been forced to leave their homes for safety reasons. Security personnel and relief teams remain deployed in affected areas to provide assistance and continue searching for missing people.
Fresh Disaster Concerns After August Flooding
Repeated natural disasters in Nepal have raised concerns about the safety of communities living in mountainous regions. On August 26, a powerful flow of water and debris struck the Bhotekoshi area, affecting settlements in Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok districts. Reports of casualties and missing people also emerged following that incident.
Heavy rainfall in mountainous regions can trigger landslides that obstruct the natural flow of rivers and streams. Accumulated debris may temporarily block waterways, and when such blockages break, water and debris can rush downhill with considerable force. These sudden flows can cause severe damage to riverside settlements, bridges, roads and other infrastructure.
Why Are Floods and Landslides Frequent in Nepal?
Much of Nepal lies within the Himalayan mountain region. Its steep slopes, narrow river valleys and geologically sensitive terrain increase the risk of landslides and flash floods during periods of heavy rainfall. Water and debris flowing down from the mountains can pose a serious threat to communities in lower-lying areas.
Experts emphasise the importance of timely weather warnings, evacuating people from high-risk locations and strengthening emergency response systems. Improved monitoring of riverside settlements and early precautions in vulnerable areas can help reduce the impact of such disasters.
The search for five missing people in Gorkha district is continuing. Meanwhile, authorities and security agencies are working to deliver relief supplies to affected families and restore normalcy in the disaster-hit areas.
