Massive avalanche in Manaslu Peak, people nearby Budhigandaki urged to remain vigilant

KATHMANDU: An avalanche occurred from the Manaslu Peak at Samagaun of Chumanubri Rural Municipality-1 in north Gorkha this morning.

According to local Dizen Lama, the avalanche fell near the Birendra Lake which lies on the lap of the Manaslu mountain.

The occurrence of the disaster at 9:00 am on Sunday caused the lake water to overflow and gush into the Budhigandaki River.

The development caused a significant risk for a flood in the Budhigandaki. The avalanche is a big one and it may cause damage to settlements near the river downstream area, it is said.

District Police Office Gorkha’s Chief, Superintendent of Police Basudev Pathak, said, that once they were reported about the occurrence of the avalanche, a police squad swiftly left for the site. The increased water level in the river damaged a wooden bridge along the river. As the police team from the site assessed, the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further damages, he said.

Chief District Officer of Gorkha, Bhola Dahal, said everyone has been urged to remain alert to the increased water flow in the Budhigandaki and refrain from visiting the river area.

The Birendra Lake that lies on the foot of the Manaslu Peak, the world’s eighth highest peak measuring 8,163 meters, is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki.