Kathmandu June 16 : A landslide in Ngawal of Manang has blocked the Marsyangdi River. Manang Chief District Officer Bishnu Lamichhane informed that the river was blocked by a landslide on Wednesday morning. CDO Lamichhane said that the risk has increased in the lower coastal areas including Chame and Taalgaon after the river was blocked.

“If the dammed river bursts at once, the Chame bridge connecting Upper Manang will be washed away,” he said, adding that “there is a danger of further damage to Chame Bazaar and Taal Bazaar.”

The floods in Ghattekhola and Chattekhola of Chame Bazaar had washed away six houses in the market. About 300 inmates have taken shelter in the newly constructed building of the district jail after other houses in Chame were also submerged. CDO Lamichhane said that the situation is still dangerous due to the rain.

“It is raining and the situation has not improved yet,” he said.

CDO Lamichhane said that the road was closed due to floods and landslides.

He said that the Nepal Army was preparing to bring a helicopter from Kathmandu for the relief and rescue of the flood and landslide victims of Chame and Talgaon but could not come due to bad weather.

“Army helicopters are being prepared for immediate relief. The helicopters have not been able to arrive as the weather has not improved,” CDO Lamichhane informed Nepalpage.

He said that about 60 houses in Chame are facing floods and inundation. Talgaon, the gateway to Manang, which was inundated when the Marsyangdi River overflowed, is still at risk. CDO Lamichhane said that the village, which has been inundated since Tuesday morning, has become without communication. All the 48 households in Talgaon have been inundated.