A large dry landslide has been continuously occurring in the Manaslu region of northern Gorkha, raising concerns among local residents and disrupting access to Serang Monastery.
The landslide began at around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Bumrang, along the trail from Khyak in Chumnubri Rural Municipality–5 to Serang Monastery, and has continued intermittently since then, according to Kaldhen Chhewang Lama, Ward Chairperson of Chumnubri–5.
Landslide Extends Over 300 Meters in Manaslu Region
According to Lama, the landslide occurred in Manaslu region about a 30-minute walk from Khyak on the route to Serang Monastery. A large section of dry debris has been falling from Sakima Danda down toward the Serang River.
“A large dry landslide is occurring at Bumrang on the route from Khyak to Serang,” Lama said. “At around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, white smoke-like dust rose from the area before the landslide occurred. We went to inspect it at around 1:00 p.m. and returned. It happened again last night, and it is still continuously falling, making it difficult to approach the site.”
Lama said the landslide stretches for more than 300 meters from Sakima Danda to the Serang River. However, its exact width has yet to be determined because the area remains unsafe to access.
“It looked as though white smoke was rising when the landslide occurred,” he said. “The distance from the hill to the river is around 300 meters. Since the landslide is still continuing, we have not been able to determine how wide the affected area is.”
Supplies to Serang Monastery Disrupted
The ongoing landslide in Manaslu region has also created difficulties for around 400 people staying at Serang Monastery.
According to Lama, around 200 students are studying Buddhist teachings at the monastery, while another 200 people, including lamas and elderly residents at the monastery’s old-age facility, are also staying there.
“The landslide is going to make it difficult to transport food and other essential supplies to them,” Lama said.
The trail affected by the landslide is an important access route to the monastery, and continued movement of debris has made it difficult for people to approach the site safely.
Growing Concern Over Dry Landslides and Avalanches
The latest incident in Manaslu region has heightened concern among residents in the Himalayan areas of Gorkha, where dry landslides and avalanches have recently been reported.
“Something seems to be happening in our Himalayan region these days,” Lama said, expressing concern over the increasing incidents.
He also recalled a major avalanche that struck the eastern side of Serang Himal on Ashwin 25, blocking the Ungilung River and subsequently triggering a devastating flood in the Budhi Gandaki River.
The repeated occurrence of dry landslides and avalanches has raised concerns about the safety of settlements, trails and vital infrastructure in the remote Himalayan region.
