Landslide and flashflood affects life in different regions of Nepal
The Araniko Highway has been obstructed since early this morning following a significant landslide in Panchkhaal, Kaverapalanchok district. The landslide has stranded hundreds of vehicles and passengers on both sides of the road, causing substantial travel disruptions.
In a separate but equally severe incident, the Thame River in Solukhumbu district has been wreaking havoc. A flash flood, which occurred Friday afternoon, has severely impacted Thame village. The flood, accompanied by a mudslide and debris, has resulted in the destruction of nearly half of the village.
Reports indicate that 20 houses, lodges, a health post, and a school in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu rural municipality were washed away. Additionally, the local power project’s powerhouse was completely destroyed, and around 200 meters of the trekking route between Phakding and Namche has been eroded.
A combined rescue effort by the Nepali Army and Nepal Police has so far saved 93 individuals from the affected areas, who are now sheltered in an army camp. Another 42 people are taking refuge in a local community building. The Mapya-Khumbu Friendship Bridge over the Dudh Kosi River has also been damaged. Preliminary assessments suggest that the flooding may have been triggered by an outburst from a glacial lake in the Khumbu area.
The flood has severely disrupted travel in the region, particularly along the trail from Lukla to Namche, which is a key route to the Everest region. The situation remains fluid as rescue and relief efforts continue.
