KATHMANDU, APRIL 21

A massive avalanche occurred in the iconic Manaslu mountain in Samagaun of Chumanubri Rural Municipality-1 in north Gorkha this morning, triggering urgent warnings for nearby residents.

The avalanche, which occurred at around 9 am this morning, descended near Birendra Lake at the base of the mountain, causing the lake to swell and overflow into the Budhigandaki River below.

Authorities have raised alarms over the potential for a flood in the Budhigandaki, emphasizing the substantial risk posed to settlements downstream.

A police team was promptly deployed to the site following reports of the avalanche, as confirmed by Superintendent of Police Basudev Pathak, head of the District Police Office Gorkha to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti. Initial assessments suggest no immediate threat of further damage, despite the increased water levels damaging a wooden bridge spanning the river, SP Pathak added.

Manaslu is the world's eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters.