By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
A massive flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River swept away dozens of houses and six bridges in Nepal’s northern Gorkha district early on Sunday, leaving a couple of people missing and damaging infrastructure, including a hydropower project construction camp.
A couple were initially reported missing or out of contact. They included people staying in temporary shelters near the Ungilung River and herders whose whereabouts could not immediately be established. Rescue teams were mobilised, and authorities began efforts to locate the missing and assess damage in the affected settlements.
The flood struck around 4 am, affecting settlements in Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities, including Salleri, Jagat, Bagar, Paiyun and Ghattikhola. Preliminary estimates put the number of houses swept away or severely damaged at 35 to 40, while several other homes were inundated or left at risk. No deaths had been confirmed in initial reports.
Authorities suspect that a landslide in the upper reaches of the river blocked a stream or tributary, temporarily holding back water before a sudden release sent a powerful surge of water and debris downstream. The exact cause and extent of the damage were still being assessed.
The flood destroyed six bridges, including four suspension bridges and two motorable bridges, according to local officials. The damage disrupted links between remote settlements, including routes connecting Machhakhola with Kerauja and other villages. A major bridge connecting Gorkha and neighbouring Dhading district was also damaged or swept away, affecting road connectivity.
The construction camp and equipment at the 341 MW Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project in Salleri were also washed away, adding to the damage to local infrastructure.
The Nepali authorities issued high-alert warnings to communities along the river and urged residents to move to higher ground. The flood risk extended downstream towards the Trishuli River corridor, prompting warnings for vulnerable areas, including parts of Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan and Nawalparasi.