KATHMANDU: A sudden permafrost burst beneath Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8,137m) triggered an avalanche in Thasang Rural Municipality-2 of Mustang district on Friday.
The avalanche occurred around 1 pm, causing debris to form a landslide dam that blocked the flow of water in Ghatte Khola, according to Bhim Prasad Thakali, a ward member and local resident.
Permafrost, a mix of sand and snow frozen at sub-zero temperatures for years, is common in this region.
Ghatte Khola, along with Boksi Khola, eventually merges with the Kali Gandaki River.
“A landslide dam has been detected by a drone approximately 6 km from the site,” Thakali added.
So far, there have been no reports of damage to human life or property, but the risk of the landslide dam bursting remains high.
A team from the Armed Police Force has been deployed to the area, confirmed Chief District Officer Janak Raj Panta.
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