Hillside above Beni market cracks, landslide risk looms

The ground on the hillside above Beni market, the district headquarters of Myagdi, has cracked and begun sliding.

The crack on the hillside behind New Road in the market, located at the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Myagdi rivers, has been widening over the past three days. According to local resident Santosh Dhungana, the ground loosened after continuous rain from Asoj 8 to 11, and a landslide that occurred on Wednesday morning got caught in a bamboo thicket.

Locals say the upper part of the grassland area, about 300 meters high and 500 meters wide, has sunk by more than 1 meter. The landslide has also damaged a concrete footpath built on the hillside. Attempts have been made to drain water from the cracked area through pipes.

Beni Municipality chief Surat KC said he inspected the risk area on Tuesday and has recommended to the government that a geologist study the site. He has urged market residents to remain cautious.