Today’s news centers on a Budhigandaki flash flood attributed to an upstream landslide breach, with rescue, relief, and calls for coordinated rehabilitation intensifying across affected areas.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah urged residents in downstream areas to follow directives from local administration and security bodies as flash-flood impacts continued along the Budhigandaki system. Prime Minister Balendra Shah also highlighted ongoing evacuation and relief logistics, while a feasibility study team was formed to assess road and bridge conditions. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said government response efforts have been underway since flood warnings were issued. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Courts & Accountability
No court or accountability developments were included in the provided briefs today.
Economy & Business
The floods caused damage linked to major hydropower infrastructure, including the Budhigandaki hydropower project, following a suspected landslide-dam breach mechanism upstream. ICIMOD said the river’s temporary blockage likely failed, triggering the destructive surge that damaged infrastructure and disrupted operations. Reporting also described how a landslide-dam breach near Chumchet likely drove the flash flood, with authorities mobilizing search and rescue resources. Landslide-dam breach report
Society & Community
Search and rescue efforts continue as confirmed missing persons and evacuated residents are reported across Gorkha and downstream communities. NDRRMA mobilization said five people were missing and 437 security personnel were deployed, including four helicopters. The Nepal Red Cross Society intensified assistance, delivering non-food items and coordinating rescues after infrastructure damage to bridges and homes. Nepal Red Cross response Public attention also shifted to the hardship faced during Dashain, as flood-affected families struggled with loss of homes and livelihoods. Flood victims face a bleak Dashain
Date: October 12, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 26, 2083
Top News
1. Budhigandaki flood likely caused by breach of landslide blockage, ICIMOD says (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has determined that a landslide near Chumchet in Gorkha likely caused a temporary blockage of the Budhigandaki River, leading to a destructive flood after the blockage breached. The flood, which began early Sunday, resulted in missing persons, damaged infrastructure including the 341-megawatt Budhigandaki hydropower project, and prompted alerts for communities along the Budhigandaki, Trishuli, and Narayani river systems. Rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies assisting displaced individuals and assessing the extent of the damage.
2. Landslide-dam breach may have triggered Budhi Gandaki flash flood (theannapurnaexpress.com)
A flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki river system, triggered by a landslide-dam breach near Chumchet in Gorkha district, began around 4:00 a.m. on October 11, causing significant damage, including missing persons and washed-away infrastructure. Authorities have mobilized 437 security personnel for search and rescue operations, while warnings have been issued for communities along the Budhi Gandaki, Trishuli, and Narayani river systems. The incident underscores the risks of cascading mountain hazards and the need for improved monitoring of unstable slopes and river dynamics.
3. Budhigandaki floods: five go missing, 437 security personnel mobilized for search, rescue (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Five individuals, including two women and three men, are missing due to flash floods in the Budhigandaki River, triggered by a landslide in Gorkha district. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported significant destruction, including the loss of houses and bridges, and has mobilized 437 security personnel for search and rescue operations, utilizing four helicopters for assistance. Residents in affected areas have been evacuated to safer locations as the floods pose ongoing risks.
4. बूढीगण्डकी बाढी भोटेकोशी महाविपत्तिकै मिनि संस्करण : बाबुराम भट्टराई (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Baburam Bhattarai has described the Budhigandaki flood as a mini-version of the Bhote Koshi disaster, highlighting the severity of the situation. He emphasized the need for urgent attention and action from authorities to address the ongoing crisis.
5. PM Shah urges public to follow directives of local administration and security bodies (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged residents in downstream areas to follow local administration and security directives due to flash floods in the Budhigandaki river, triggered by a landslide in Gorkha. Five individuals are reported missing, and search operations are ongoing with 437 security personnel mobilized, including the Nepal Army and police. Relief efforts are underway, with materials being transported to affected areas, and a feasibility study team has been formed to assess road conditions and bridge installations.
6. बूढीगण्डकीमा बाढीको सूचना पाएलगत्तै देखि प्रतिकार्यको काम भइरहेको छ : प्रधानमन्त्री (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal confirmed that response efforts are underway following flood alerts in the Budhigandaki area. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the situation promptly.
7. बाढी प्रभावितलाई सुरक्षित पुनर्स्थापना गर्न राष्ट्रिय सभा अध्यक्षको आग्रह (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Chairperson of the National Assembly has urged for the safe resettlement of flood-affected individuals. This call emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort to ensure the well-being of those impacted by the floods in the country.
8. How a torrent of mud and debris swept through the Budhi Gandaki corridor (english.onlinekhabar.com)
A sudden flood of mud and debris struck settlements along the Budhi Gandaki River in northern Gorkha, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including bridges and hydropower projects. Preliminary investigations suggest the flood may have originated from a landslide in the Chumchet area, with five individuals reported missing and 82 others rescued. The government has deployed technical teams to assess the geological conditions and investigate the flood's cause while coordinating relief efforts for affected communities.
9. बूढीगण्डकी बाढीको प्रतिकार्य तीव्रः नेपाल रेडक्रस (www.ratopati.com)
The Nepal Red Cross Society has intensified its response to the sudden flooding in the Budhigandaki River, triggered by a breach in the Syarkhola dam. Initial assessments indicate five people are missing, with significant damage reported to infrastructure, including two permanent bridges, two suspension bridges, and 45 homes. The Red Cross has mobilized volunteers to deliver non-food items and has coordinated with the Nepal Army for the immediate rescue of 82 individuals, including nine foreigners.
10. Flood victims face a bleak Dashain (risingnepaldaily.com)
Flood victims in Nepal are experiencing a difficult Dashain festival due to the destruction caused by recent floods. Many families have lost their homes and livelihoods, making it challenging to celebrate the traditional holiday. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the impact of the disaster has left many in despair.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 155.08 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.77 |
| AUD → NPR | 108.32 |
| GBP → NPR | 205.21 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.79 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4186.17 | NPR 243,446.46 |
| Silver | $60.86 | NPR 3,539.31 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
