Water starts flowing through landslide-dammed Hunga Khola, easing flood risk
Summary
Water has begun flowing through a landslide-dammed section of Hunga Khola in Solukhumbu, easing fears of a sudden flash flood downstream. Authorities in Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga and Udayapur had warned residents, but officials now say there is no immediate need for evacuation.
Key Points
- A landslide in Mahakulung Rural Municipality blocked Hunga Khola and formed a natural dam on Friday morning.
- Water started spilling through the dam after about three hours, reducing the risk of a sudden breach and flash flood.
- District administrations in Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga and Udayapur had alerted residents in vulnerable riverbank settlements.
- Officials now say water levels have risen only slightly in the Dudhkoshi, Sunkoshi and Saptakoshi rivers and there is no immediate evacuation risk.
