Nepal Flash Floods Leave Five Missing and Sweep Away 45 Houses in Gorkha Amid Natural Disasters

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall struck central Nepal on Sunday, sweeping away at least 45 houses and leaving five people missing, weeks after a previous disaster killed more than 1,400 amid natural disasters. [4] [2]

Overview of the Flash Floods in Natural Disasters

Flash floods hit central Nepal on Sunday, sweeping away houses and leaving at least five people missing, officials said, weeks after devastating flooding that killed hundreds. [4] Videos circulating online showed a dark, debris-filled river surging through the hills in Gorkha district. [4] Some 45 houses were swept away, with the flood also damaging three hydropower projects and four bridges. [4] This event occurs six weeks after devastating floods from a mountain glacial collapse on August 26 that killed over 1,400 and left more than 5,000 missing. [4] [2] The floods damaged three hydropower projects and four bridges; authorities issued alerts urging residents to move to safer areas. [4] Striking new images show new flash floods hitting central Nepal. [2] This comes only six weeks after another disaster there left more than 1,400 dead and 5,000 missing. [2] According to an initial assessment by the Nepalese authorities, at least five people are now missing. [2]

Cause and Trigger of the Flooding

A dry landslide blocked a river before bursting and causing the flood in Gorkha district, with videos showing a dark, debris-filled river surging through the hills. [4] “What we know is that a dry landslide had blocked the river and then it burst to cause the flood,” said national disaster agency chief Dharam Raj Uprety. [4] Heavy rainfall from a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal from 25-28 September caused the latest flooding and landslides, which in late September killed at least 21 people. [4] [5] A low-pressure system originating over the Bay of Bengal resulted in heavy to very heavy rainfall across various parts of Nepal from 25 to 28 September 2026. [5] The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Center for Hydrology and Water Resources Research (CHWRR) initiated continuous monitoring and analysis of the development, movement, and potential impacts of the weather. [5] The latest flooding comes with Nepal still recovering from devastating floods, triggered by a mountain glacial collapse on Aug. 26, which killed more than 1,400 people and left over 5,000 missing. [4]

Flash floods surge through hills in Nepal's Gorkha district sweeping away houses. — Source: france24

Rescue and Evacuation Efforts

At least 82 people, including nine foreigners, have been rescued, with four helicopters deployed as water levels in the Budhi Gandaki river continued to rise. [4] Four helicopters were deployed to support rescue and evacuation efforts as water levels in the Budhi Gandaki continued to rise. [4] Authorities earlier issued an alert, urging residents to move away from the river to safer areas. [4] More than 100 foreign trekkers stranded in flood-hit region of Nepal, official says. [3] More than 100 foreign trekkers were stranded in the flood-hit region. [3]

Survivor Accounts

It was a detour that saved his life. Malaysian Low Hock Meng, a 71-year-old veteran trekker, had set off on his own in Nepal. [1] He wanted to explore the Tamang trail, Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda. [1] Along his journey, he made the decision to visit the Nagathali viewpoint for a glimpse of Tibet on August 25. [1] Low then made his way down towards Thuman en route to Lingling in Nepal’s Bagmati province on August 26. [1] That is when he realised that something was seriously wrong. [1] When he looked at Syapru... [1] “The flood looked similar. ... It was very scary, and it still feels like a nightmare for us,” said local official Laxmi Gurung of Chumnubri rural municipality. [4] “Our house is gone, we have no electricity ... but there have been no casualties.” [4]

Context of Recent Disasters

This event occurs six weeks after devastating floods from a mountain glacial collapse on August 26 that killed over 1,400 and left more than 5,000 missing. [4] [2] Heavy rainfall in late September also triggered floods and landslides, killing at least 21 people, according to the disaster agency. [4] The latest flooding comes with Nepal still recovering from devastating floods, triggered by a mountain glacial collapse on Aug. 26, which killed more than 1,400 people and left over 5,000 missing. [4]

Expert Warnings on Himalayan Hazards

The Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said the floods highlight the “range of hazards capable of generating destructive floods in Himalayan river systems.” [4] “While response efforts must remain the immediate priority, understanding what triggered this flood, will be critical for reducing future risks and strengthening resilience,” ICIMOD’s director general Pema Gyamtsho said in a statement. [4]

What to watch next: Four helicopters remain deployed as water levels in the Budhi Gandaki river continue to rise, with more than 100 foreign trekkers still reported stranded in the flood-hit region.