Nepal Floods: 40 Homes Lost, Tourists Stranded

The Cliff News | 12 October 2026

A devastating pre-dawn flash flood tore through Nepal's Manaslu trekking region on Sunday, causing widespread destruction and leaving numerous foreign tourists stranded. The disaster, which struck around 4 am, swept away approximately 40 houses, six bridges, and significant hydropower infrastructure along the Budhi Gandaki river, a tributary of the Trishuli.

Authorities have confirmed that up to 10 people are missing following the deluge. In addition to the missing, more than 150 foreign tourists are currently stranded in the popular trekking area, with efforts underway to ensure their safety and facilitate their evacuation. The flood hit the Chumnubri district, located about 100 km west of Kathmandu.

Rapid Response and Evacuations

Early warning systems played a crucial role in mitigating casualties. SMS alerts successfully prompted residents to flee to higher ground before the floodwaters reached their peak. The Nepali Army was instrumental in rescue operations, saving 49 individuals. Following the disaster, authorities promptly ordered evacuations in affected areas and issued alerts to downstream districts.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority received initial information about the flood at 6:20 am and dispatched the first SMS warnings just 20 minutes later, at 6:40 am. Approximately 2 lakh alerts were sent in two rounds, urging residents to move away from riverbanks and vulnerable settlements.

Suspected Landslide Cause

Officials suspect a landslide may have temporarily blocked a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki, causing water and debris to build up. When the obstruction eventually gave way, it triggered the catastrophic flash flood. However, the exact cause is still being investigated by authorities.

Among the missing are five individuals, including two women and three men, who were staying near the Ungilung river. Separately, information is also being sought regarding four to five herders who are out of contact.

Widespread Damage and Stranded Tourists

The floodwaters inflicted severe damage, destroying between 35-40 houses and a primary school. An additional 20-22 houses are now considered at risk. The destruction of six bridges has effectively cut off access to remote settlements, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Infrastructure supporting the under-construction 341MW Budhi Gandaki hydropower project at Salleri was also heavily damaged, with its construction camp and equipment swept away. At Arughat, the Budhi Gandaki river surged to 8.4 meters, far exceeding the danger level of 5 meters, before floodwaters inundated and disabled the monitoring station.

Impact on Tourism and Downstream Alerts

The popular Manaslu trekking circuit, a major draw during Nepal's peak autumn tourist season, has been significantly disrupted. Trails and suspension bridges have been damaged, leaving over 100 foreign tourists stranded at Jagat, a key entry point. Another 17 tourists are stuck at Lokpa, and 40 more at Chhekampar in Chum Valley.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project conservation officer Bhuvanraj Ojha confirmed that the stranded tourists are safe and that authorities are arranging helicopter evacuations for them. Authorities have also issued evacuation alerts across Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, and East and West Nawalparasi districts, warning residents along the Trishuli and Narayani rivers to remain vigilant and stay clear of riverbanks.

Ongoing Concerns and Historical Context

The chief executive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dharmaraj Uprety, acknowledged the possibility of further blockages upstream. "We cannot yet say whether the river has been blocked again upstream or whether the danger has passed," Uprety stated, indicating ongoing concerns about the situation.

In the background, this disaster follows closely on the heels of catastrophic floods along the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river just 45 days prior. That earlier event resulted in more than 1,450 deaths and left over 5,250 people missing, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.