A fresh landslide in Nepal's Darchula district has triggered a new flash-flood scare, just as the country is still reeling from the devastating floods that struck on August 26. The landslide has partially blocked the flow of the Chaulani river, prompting authorities to place people living downstream on high alert. The August 26 disaster has already claimed more than 1,300 lives, with close to 5,000 people still missing.
Debris From Api Himal Blocks the River's Path
On Friday, a landslide struck the Bhattar area of Api Himal Rural Municipality. A large volume of debris slid directly into the river, partially obstructing the flow of the Chaulani river. The Darchula District Administration Office has warned that further landslides in the area could completely block the river. If that happens, the resulting pressure could cause a sudden, dam-burst-like failure, unleashing a flash flood on communities downstream. The administration has urged families living along the riverbank to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Security personnel have already been deployed on the ground to warn residents and be ready to act if an emergency unfolds. Footage shared in a post on X shows the debris crashing into the river.
Chief Minister Orders High Alert
Khagraj Bhatt, Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim province, has directed local administrators and security agencies to remain on high alert and stay prepared for any emergency. Emergency contact numbers have also been issued so that affected residents can seek help without delay. According to the Armed Police Force, the river is currently flowing at a normal level, meaning there is no immediate danger. Even so, as a precaution, personnel from the Nepal Chameliya Hydropower Security Base stationed at Balanch have been deployed to keep a continuous watch on the water level and alert nearby areas if the situation changes.
A Link to the Mahakali River Raises the Stakes
The Chaulani river is also known as the Chameliya river. It originates in the Api Himal region and eventually joins the Mahakali river, which forms part of the border between Nepal and India. That is why any major disruption on this river does not stay confined to Nepal alone, it can affect areas along the border as well. The fresh warning comes at a time when Nepal is already grappling with the fallout of August's devastating floods and flash floods, which have left thousands homeless and caused widespread destruction. Nepal Police said on Saturday that the death toll from the August 26 floods has risen to 1,344, as more bodies continue to be recovered from the affected areas.
