KATHMANDU/BHOJPUR: Flood debris deposited by tributary Barun River resulted into the blockage of Arun River at Bhotkhola in Sankhuwasabha of eastern Nepal.

A three-kilometre long dam got formed along the Arun River from the confluence, inundating some houses on the riverbanks upstream.

It is suspected that a glacial lake outburst caused floods in the Barun River, blocking the Arun River at around 4 pm yesterday.

Potential outburst of the dam has rung alarm bells in the downstream region in Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Dhankuta and Sunsari districts, forcing the authorities to issue a high alert notice.

The Barun River, which originates from Barun glacier on the lap of Mt Makalu, feeds into the Arun River, a tributary of mighty Saptakoshi River, at Kholadobhan of Bhotkhola Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha district.

Police said at least nine houses have affected by the inundation.

Teams of Nepal Police and Nepal Army have been dispatched to the affected area to rescue and relocate the affected families to safety, the Nepal Police's Eastern Regional Police Office said.