Nepal Flash Floods Leave Five Missing, Over 100 Trekkers Stranded as Bridges Collapse

Search and rescue operations continued in Nepal’s Gorkha district on Monday after a devastating flash flood swept away homes, bridges and trekking routes, leaving five people missing and more than 100 foreign trekkers stranded across the popular Manaslu region.

The Nepali Army has rescued 95 people, including nine foreign nationals, using helicopters and ground teams, although some reports put the number rescued at 96. No fatalities had been officially reported in the latest accounts, but authorities were continuing efforts to locate the missing villagers and reach isolated settlements.

The flood struck the Budhi Gandaki River and its tributaries early Sunday, sending a torrent of muddy water, rocks and debris through settlements in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, around 100 km west of Kathmandu. Five people, including two women, remain unaccounted for after going missing near the Ungilung stream.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to local infrastructure. Preliminary assessments indicate that 45 houses were completely destroyed and 27 partially damaged. Two suspension bridges, two motorable bridges, three hydropower projects and 34 livestock sheds were also damaged, while three vehicles were swept away.

The destruction of bridges and trekking trails has cut off several settlements in northern Gorkha, disrupting transport and making it difficult to deliver essential supplies. More than 100 foreign trekkers are reportedly stranded at different points along trekking routes in the Manaslu region. Officials said those wishing to return would require rescue assistance, while tourists at safe locations could remain there or continue their journeys where routes permitted.

Authorities suspect that a landslide temporarily blocked a river or stream before the obstruction gave way, releasing a sudden surge of water and debris downstream. The precise trigger is still under investigation, with technical teams examining the affected terrain.

The Nepali Army and other security personnel have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations. Authorities are distributing emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, mattresses and kitchen sets, while assessing ways to restore access to cut-off communities.

The latest disaster has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Himalayan settlements to sudden floods and landslides. It comes less than two months after catastrophic flooding near the Nepal-China border killed more than 1,400 people and left thousands missing, underlining the urgent need for stronger early-warning systems, safer infrastructure and better disaster preparedness across the mountain region.