Blocked Marsyangdi River gradually reopening in Manang

The Marsyangdi River, which had been blocked by continuous rain to form a lake in Manang, has gradually begun flowing again.

The river was blocked on Sunday afternoon after silt, stones, gravel and sand washed down from a tributary piled up. Police say water has now begun draining partially from the lake.

Chief District Officer Mukti Prasad Khanal said discussions are underway on bringing an excavator to ease the flow, since road access has been cut off. He had earlier said talks were ongoing with the Nepal Army about using explosives to open the lake.

According to him, the lake had submerged the bridge connecting Chame to Upper Manang along with some hotels, and about 8 to 10 houses were half submerged. Due to bad weather, tourists on the Thorong Pass trek had turned back, but they were unable to reach Chame because the bridge was submerged.

The flood has also caused damage in Tal Bazaar, on the border of Lamjung and Manang. According to Nason Rural Municipality chairman Lokendra Bahadur Ghale, four days of rain have cut off electricity, telephone and road links in various parts of the district. The administration has urged residents along the Marsyangdi banks to remain alert.