Gorkha, Nepal— A massive landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River in northern Gorkha on Friday, triggering flash floods upstream and forcing emergency evacuations downstream.
The slide came down in the early morning hours. Tons of rock and mud dammed the river, creating a fast-rising lake behind the blockage. Water started spilling over villages along the banks within an hour.
Nepal's army and police launched a joint rescue operation. By afternoon, 96 people had been pulled out, including nine foreign trekkers caught in the area. Helicopters were used where roads were cut.
"The river stopped flowing, then it started rising behind the debris," a local official in Gorkha said. "We ordered immediate evacuation for settlements below the dam. Every minute counted."
The Budhi Gandaki is a major tributary flowing through the Manaslu trekking region. The blocked section lies in a narrow gorge, making access difficult. Engineers warned of a potential outburst if the natural dam fails.
Authorities issued alerts for downstream districts. Residents in Arughat and surrounding low-lying areas were told to move to higher ground. Hydrology teams are monitoring water levels every 30 minutes.
Trekkers stranded on the Manaslu circuit were among those rescued. Officials said the foreigners were from multiple countries and were in stable condition. They were flown to Kathmandu for medical checks.
The Department of Hydrology said the river remains blocked but water is now overtopping in a controlled manner. Heavy equipment cannot reach the site, so blasting the debris is under consideration.
Monsoon-weakened slopes have caused repeated landslides across Nepal this season. The government has placed all district emergency centers on high alert.
Evacuations continue. Teams remain on standby for a sudden breach.
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