Landslide blocks Indrawati river, sparking panic in Sindhupalchowk

Melamchi, August 19 - The Indrawati River has been blocked by a landslide that occurred in Tipeni, Panch Pokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality ward no. 7 of Sindhupalchowk district. The blockage has caused panic among residents in Melamchi, Tipeni, and surrounding areas. Since last night, landslides have continued, heightening fears among those living along the Indrawati River.

Local officials and residents are concerned about the potential impacts of the river blockage. The landslides pose a high risk to Panch Pokhari Primary Hospital and could affect Tipeni Bazar, local hydropower projects, Melamchi Bazar, and other riverbank communities. In response, Tasi Lama, Chairman of the Rural Municipality, along with other local officials, the Nepali Army, Armed Police force, Nepal Police, and community members, are on-site to assess the situation.

Yuvraj Bhattarai, the disaster focal person for the Rural Municipality, reported that efforts are underway to remove the debris with the assistance of excavator. Local resident Dinesh Shrestha highlighted the danger of a large-scale blockage due to the accumulation of stones, gravel, and soil.

In light of the situation, the District Administration Office of Sindhupalchowk has issued a warning to residents in Panch Pokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Melamchi Municipality, and Indrawati Rural Municipality, advising them to remain vigilant.