Landslide jolts Manaslu village as storms disrupt Nepal
Trekkers and climbers flee their beds as rain and snow trigger landslides, avalanches and rising rivers across the country
PC: Abiral Rai
A landslide struck above a village in Nepal’s Manaslu region early on Sunday, sending a thunderous roar through the settlement and forcing trekkers, climbers and expedition staff from their beds.
The landslide occurred at about 3am above Samagaun village after days of incessant rain. The sound startled hundreds of people sheltering in the village as severe weather disrupted trekking and mountaineering across Nepal.
“We simply rushed out of our rooms, looking for a safe place. We did not know where to go,” said Abiral Rai, an IFMGA mountain guide stranded in Samagaun with his client.
“There was a huge sound that woke us all from our beds. We could not understand what had happened. It seemed the landslides had come from several places. The sound was alarming and scared us all.”
Rai said people remained frightened and many were unable to sleep after the landslide.
No casualties or damage had been reported by Sunday morning.
The landslide was one of several incidents reported as heavy rain and snowfall swept across Nepal. In the high mountains, climbers have moved to lower ground as avalanches and heavy snow made conditions increasingly dangerous.
At Himlung Himal in Manang district, an avalanche buried the base camp. Ten climbers and expedition staff are believed to have been buried in the snow, according to expedition organisers.
Climbers on Manaslu and Dhaulagiri have also taken shelter at lower elevations. Some have abandoned their expeditions and returned home as the weather deteriorated.
The bad weather has affected much of the country, not only the mountains. Rain and snow have moved from the east towards western and far-western Nepal, disrupting travel and triggering landslides in the hills.
Rivers have also risen sharply in several parts of the country, with some reaching dangerous levels.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued an urgent flood warning on Sunday after water levels in the Narayani river surged well above the danger level following heavy rain.
The authority warned of a high risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas of Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts along the Narayani basin.
Residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those living near riverbanks and behind weak embankments, were urged to move immediately to safer, higher ground.
Water levels were also rising in major tributaries of the Narayani, including the Kaligandaki, Seti, Madi, Marsyangdi, Daraundi, Chepe, Budhigandaki and Trishuli rivers.
High flows were expected to continue through Sunday afternoon, according to the advisory.
Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary gatherings near riverbanks, bridges and embankments and to follow instructions from local authorities and security forces.
Road transport has also been disrupted, with major highways obstructed and vehicles barred from using some sections.
Meteorologists have forecast further rain and snowfall through Sunday, with conditions expected to ease thereafter.
