An avalanche in the Manaslu area of Nepal’s Chumnubri Rural Municipality has caused water to surge from Birendra Lake, flooding lower areas and damaging a bridge connecting Samdo and Samagaun.
Police Chief Basudev Pathak of the Gorkha District Police Office initially reported the lake bursting but clarified that an avalanche caused the water to spill out. A temporary bridge was swept away by the flood, and while no further significant damage is expected, authorities remain on alert.
This incident echoes a similar event in 2071 (Nepali calendar) where an avalanche triggered flooding from Birendra Lake, also destroying the bridge between Samagaon and Samdo.
Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal confirmed the lake’s overflow and indicated that details of potential damage are still being collected. Warnings of possible flooding have been issued to areas along the Budhigandaki River, including Dharche and Arughat.
Vice President of the Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Lakshmi Gurung, corroborated reports of the avalanche leading to the lake overflow. Further updates on the situation are pending.
Birendra Lake, located 52 kilometers from the Gorkha headquarters and approximately 30 minutes from Samagaun market, is a source for the Budhigandaki River.
Important Note: The initial report from the Ministry of Home Affairs about Birendra Lake bursting appears to be incorrect.
