Landslide Partially Blocks Chaulani River, Raising Flood Threat in Darchula

A massive landslide struck Bhattar in Api Himal Rural Municipality, dumping material into the Chaulani River and partially damming its course. Officials from the Darchula district administration cautioned that further slides could completely seal the river, creating a risk of an abrupt breach and downstream flash floods. Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary steps.

Security personnel and the Armed Police Force have been positioned to warn locals and respond to any emergency, with the Nepal Chameliya Hydropower Security Base in Balanch also monitoring conditions. Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Khagraj Bhatta instructed local authorities and security agencies to keep a high alert status. The river, which eventually joins the Mahakali River on the Nepal-India border, is currently flowing at normal levels, but authorities fear heavy rain could exacerbate the situation.