Thousands of people living along Kaligandaki River have fled their homes fearing a flash flood after a massive landslide blocked Kaligandaki River.
Kaligandaki River has virtually dried up downstream of Baisari village in Myagdi district, where a huge landside buried 25 houses and created a dam. However, no casualties have been reported from the village. Police say 123 people were rescued from there within two hours after the earthquake.
The locals of Benibazar, Ghatan, Galeshwor and Pokharebagare of Myagdi are now moving to higher grounds after the landslide. The government has also urged people living along the river in Baglung, Parbat, Gulmi, Palpa, Syangja, Tanahu and Nawalparasi districts to be on 'high alert'.
"The river is not flowing downstream," Myagdi's Chief District Officer Tek Bahadur KC told Nepali Times. "The landslide dam could burst any time and sweep away villages. So, we have asked the locals to vacate their houses."
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said early Sunday morning that Nepal Army has been mobilised to clear the river. But KC said army helicopters have not been able to land near the landslide area. A helicopter landed somewhere north of the landslide area at 9:45 pm. but the army team took longer to reach there.