A flash flood struck Nepal's Gorkha district early Sunday morning, sweeping away more than 35 houses and multiple bridges along the Budhi Gandaki River.

The surge hit around 4 a.m. in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, carrying mud, debris, and boulders downstream. Settlements including Salleri, Paiyun, Jagat, Bagar, and Ghattikhola suffered the heaviest damage. Officials reported that at least 40 homes were destroyed across five settlements.

Authorities suspect a landslide blocked a tributary stream upstream, which then breached and released a sudden wall of water. The exact trigger remains under investigation, though sporadic rainfall in the area rules out heavy downpours as the primary cause.

No deaths have been confirmed. Reports indicate between four and 10 people remain missing. Rescue teams from the Nepal Army deployed helicopters and ground forces, evacuating dozens of residents to higher ground. Six individuals were airlifted from a landslide-risk zone in Jagat.

Several bridges were washed away, including suspension bridges and at least one motorable span connecting remote wards. Infrastructure at a local hydropower project site also sustained damage.

District officials urged residents along riverbanks to evacuate immediately. Water levels continued to fluctuate throughout the day, prompting ongoing monitoring.

The incident comes weeks after a larger glacial lake outburst flood in August devastated nearby areas along the Trishuli River basin, killing more than 1,400 people. Recovery efforts there are still underway.

Prime Minister Balen Shah directed additional resources to the affected region. Security forces continue search operations while assessing full damage across Chumnubri and neighboring rural municipalities.