Fresh Landslide in Nepal's Darchula Blocks River Flow, Sparks Dam-Burst and Flash-Flood Fears A fresh landslide in Nepal's Darchula district has partially blocked the Chaulani river, prompting authorities to put downstream residents on high alert. 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. What this means for you If the Chaulani river gets completely blocked, the biggest impact will fall on families living along it and along the Mahakali river, since that river forms part of the Nepal-India border. • Across India: The Mahakali river marks the border between Nepal and India, so a sudden dam-burst-like event upstream could raise water levels in Indian border areas too. Border administrations need to step up monitoring of the water level and keep warning systems ready. • In Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district: The Indian town of Dharchula also sits along the Mahakali river. If water is suddenly released on the Nepal side, residents here could see rising water levels within just a few hours, so any warning from local authorities should be taken seriously. • Travel and movement: Travellers and traders passing through the Darchula-Nepal border area should check the latest road and weather updates before planning trips over the coming days, since routes could be closed without much notice. • Relief and help: Families who feel at risk should note down the emergency contact numbers issued by the administration right away, so help can be sought without delay in case of flooding or a landslide. Questions & Answers 1. When and where did the fresh landslide in Nepal's Darchula district occur? The landslide struck on Friday in the Bhattar area of Api Himal Rural Municipality. 2. Which river was affected by the landslide? The Chaulani river, also known as the Chameliya river, had its flow partially blocked. 3. What are authorities worried could happen? Further landslides could completely block the river, raising the risk of a sudden dam-burst-like failure and a flash flood in downstream areas. 4. Is the river currently flowing at a dangerous level? No, according to the Armed Police Force the river is currently flowing at a normal level, but security personnel have been deployed as a precaution. 5. What has the Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim province directed? Chief Minister Khagraj Bhatt has directed local administrators and security agencies to stay on high alert and be prepared for any emergency. 6. How many people have died so far in the August 26 floods? According to Nepal Police, the death toll had risen to 1,344 by Saturday, with close to 5,000 people still missing. 7. Which larger river does the Chaulani eventually join? It eventually joins the Mahakali river, which forms part of the border between Nepal and India. https://trendkia.com/en/asia/darchula-men-bhuskhalana-se-chaulani-nadi-ka-rasta-ruka-bandha-tutane-ki-ashnka-para-hai-alarta-28143 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.