More than 1,000 people evacuated by helicopter from Budhi Gandaki flood-hit areas

Gorkha, October 15, 2026 — A total of 1,044 people, including 70 foreign nationals, have been evacuated by helicopter from areas affected by flooding in the Budhi Gandaki region from Sunday through Thursday, Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said.

Residents and visitors were stranded after the flood damaged trekking trails and bridges leading to northern Gorkha. The Nepal Army has been using helicopters to evacuate people from the affected areas, Sharma said.

According to Sharma, 96 people were rescued on Sunday, the first day of the flooding, followed by 321 on Monday and 186 on Tuesday. Another 441 people were evacuated on Wednesday.

Relief distribution has also been intensified. With support from the government and various organizations, supplies including food, tents, mats, pillows, blankets, tarpaulins, solar equipment and generators are being delivered to affected communities.

Sharma said helicopters have been necessary for both rescue and relief operations because the flooding damaged road connections and washed away sections of trekking routes.

“Helicopters are also being used to distribute relief materials. Helicopters heading to the affected areas for rescue operations carry relief supplies on the way in and bring people back on the return trip,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Red Cross Society has stepped up its emergency response to the sudden flooding of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Red Cross General Secretary Rishi Khanal said volunteers were mobilized to assess the damage and respond immediately, while efforts were made to transport non-food relief items to affected areas.

“As soon as we received information about the flood, we mobilized volunteers in Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun, Chitwan, Nawalpur East and Nawalpur West. They disseminated early warnings. The response is continuing,” Khanal said.

The Red Cross said it has been sending non-food and other emergency supplies to affected communities. In coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Nepal Army, supplies including tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets and dignity kits have been transported to the affected areas.