A series of landslides in Beni Bazaar, the district headquarters of Myagdi district in Gandaki Province, have damaged 12 homes, with six rendered uninhabitable. The landslides, which began on Wednesday afternoon and continued until Thursday morning, have also severely impacted critical infrastructure, including the main drinking water supply pipeline.
Surat KC, Mayor of Beni Municipality, confirmed that six homes in the New Road area of Beni Municipality-8 were fully damaged by mud and debris, while another six sustained partial damage. Residents in the affected areas, including New Road, evacuated their homes on Wednesday night, with many staying awake due to fear, according to local resident Chiranjivi Sharma. Security personnel, including the Nepali Army and Nepal Police, have been assisting in moving belongings from at-risk houses since Thursday morning. Important documents and materials from the local branches of Agricultural Development Bank and Global IME Bank were also secured.
Widespread Damage and Regional Impact
The landslides followed four days of ground cracking in the hills behind Beni Bazaar. Uttam Karmacharya, Ward Chairperson of Beni Municipality-8, reported that the affected area spans approximately 300 meters in height, 500 meters in width, and 100 meters in length, with trees uprooted and leaning. The landslides, originating from a water source on the hillside, have impacted both upper and lower areas, posing a risk to around 100 homes in the New Road and Ganesh Tole areas.
The main drinking water supply pipeline for Beni Bazaar has suffered extensive damage, with approximately 12 kilometers of the line affected. Rajendra Shrestha, Vice-Chairperson of the Beni Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers’ Association, stated that the problem is exacerbated by the theft of two sections (12 meters) of pipe in the Raudhwar forest, hindering efforts to restore water supply.
The landslides are attributed to continuous heavy rainfall from Ashoj 8 to 11 (September 24 to 27, 2026). Myagdi district has been severely affected by recent floods and landslides, with seven people dead and two missing as of Ashoj 14 (BS). Across Gandaki Province, more than 20 people have died, and 12 remain missing in Manang, with three injured, as of Ashoj 13 (BS).
Beyond Beni Bazaar, the region’s connectivity has been severely disrupted. The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section has sustained damage in approximately 46 locations due to landslides and river erosion, leaving Mustang district isolated for three days as of Ashoj 15 (BS). Additionally, electricity supply to Mustang has been cut off for three days due to damage to the substation and 33 kV transmission line in the Dana area of Myagdi.
Official Response and Future Steps
Mayor Surat KC stated that technical teams are engaged in clearing debris and diverting water to prevent further damage. Myagdi Chief District Officer (CDO) Ganesh Gaire has formally requested relevant authorities to dispatch a team of geologists for a technical study of the landslide-affected area. He emphasized that further damage assessment would be based on the geologists’ recommendations and urged Beni Bazaar residents to exercise caution to prevent potential risks and losses.
CDO Gaire has also recommended to the Home Ministry, Nepal’s federal ministry responsible for internal security and disaster management, that Myagdi be declared a disaster-stricken district to prioritize reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The Gandaki Province Government has dispatched tarpaulins, tents, and health supplies to the flood and landslide-affected districts of Baglung, Manang, Myagdi, and Parbat. The provincial government has also announced relief of Rs 100,000 for the families of those killed or missing.
Repair work on the Beni-Jomsom road has commenced from both Jomsom and Beni, and efforts to restore water supply in Beni Bazaar are ongoing. A debate has also begun regarding changing the development model for roads and settlements along riverbanks, proposing that new infrastructure be built at least 200 meters above river levels.
Unanswered Questions
The exact date for the arrival of the geologist team in Beni and the timeline for their study report remain uncertain. A detailed assessment of the total economic damage caused by the landslide, the precise number of displaced families from Beni Bazaar alone, and when the water supply and banking services will be fully restored are also yet to be determined.
