Pokhara, 9 September | The flow of Kimrong Khola in Annapurna Rural Municipality-11 of Kaski has returned to normal after a landslide temporarily blocked the stream on Tuesday night. The landslide occurred at around 8 p.m., causing the waterway to become obstructed and raising concerns among residents living along the Kimrong Khola and Modi Khola corridors.
According to Chitrangal Baral, Assistant Chief District Officer of Kaski, the blocked section of the stream opened on its own during the night. Baral said local residents contacted by authorities early Wednesday morning reported that the water had gradually resumed its normal course and that the stream was now flowing as usual.
Baral said the immediate risk had passed after the waterway returned to its normal condition. He added that a police team had been dispatched toward the landslide-affected area at around 4 a.m. to assess the situation and monitor the condition of the blocked section.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairperson Bishnubahadur KC said the water began flowing gradually from one side of the landslide blockage at around midnight. The opening expanded over time, allowing the accumulated water to drain and eventually restoring the stream to its previous condition.
The sudden blockage had prompted authorities to urge residents in areas along the Kimrong and Modi rivers to remain alert. A landslide-induced blockage can temporarily hold back water and potentially create a sudden surge if the obstruction breaks abruptly, prompting concern among people living downstream.
However, local authorities say the immediate danger has now subsided because the stream has returned to its regular flow. Residents and authorities had remained attentive overnight following the incident, while the police team was sent to the site early in the morning to observe the situation.
The incident highlights the potential risks faced by settlements near river corridors during periods of heavy rainfall and landslide activity. Although the water flow has normalized, continued monitoring of the landslide area remains important because further rainfall or additional slope movement could create new hazards.
With the blocked section now open and the stream flowing normally, authorities have said there is no immediate threat in the area. Local residents, however, have been advised to remain cautious and stay alert to any further changes in the condition of the stream or surrounding slopes.
