The Bokshikhola (river) in Mustang district was temporarily blocked by an avalanche in Mount Manapathi in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Tuesday evening, raising concerns among travelers on the Beni-Jomsom road, as the river crosses paths with this vital route.
This follows a previous avalanche that hit Mulkharka in Thasang Rural Municipality-2 on August 23, according to Gautam Sherchan, spokesperson for Thasang Rural Municipality. Sherchan, who is also the chairperson of Ward No 2, reported that the latest avalanche occurred at 5:45 pm on Tuesday and once again caused a temporary blockage of the Bokshikhola, a tributary of the Kali Gandaki River. The river began flowing again on Wednesday morning after being blocked for about 13 hours.
"Earlier, the avalanche debris had accumulated in the Mulkharka area. This time, the debris extended much farther down to Bokshikhola," Sherchan explained.
Although there are no human settlements at the avalanche site, which rules out the risk of human casualties or livestock fatalities, the avalanche and its debris could pose significant challenges for vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomsom road, which runs through the Bokshikhola.
It is worth noting that a massive avalanche struck Tukuche Himal in Kobang of Thasang Rural Municipality-2 on November 14, 2021, and March 5, 2022, resulting in the deaths of over 150 yaks.
Although the Tatopani-Jomsom section of the Kali Gandaki Corridor has been blacktopped, avalanches have been frequently reported in this area, which experts attribute to global warming. The lower section of the corridor, extending from Baglung to Tatopani in Myagdi district, is prone to obstructions caused by floods and landslides during the monsoon. The Kali Gandaki Corridor is one of Nepal's strategic roads, linking India and China. It also serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, a region renowned for its stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage.
(With inputs from RSS)
you need to login before leave a comment
Write a Comment
Comments
No comments yet.