Efforts to remove a dam on the Marsyangdi River near Chame in the Manang district have not succeeded. The technical team was unable to find solid rock for explosives. Instead, they are using heavy machinery to dig through the dam to prevent a potential flood downstream in Gandaki Province. The dam raised concerns about a surge of water impacting nearby communities.
Absence of Solid Rock Halts Explosive Breach
The Marsyangdi River became blocked after four days of heavy rain triggered significant landslides on the Ghattekhola tributary. This resulted in a large flow of debris, including mud, boulders, and uprooted trees, filling the river and disrupting its normal flow, which caused issues for the surrounding area. The powerful debris flow altered the river’s course and damaged the landscape.
A team of experts assessed the blockage in Chame. They discovered that explosives were not viable due to unstable rocks in the area. The blockage consists mainly of loose gravel, mud, and forest debris, lacking a solid base for explosives.
An accidental lake has formed behind the debris, stretching about 400 meters long and 80 meters wide. While some water is leaking out through the natural barrier, the lake remains deep in places, with levels reaching up to 20 feet.
To address the issue, local authorities deployed two large machines to remove loose debris and widen the natural spillway, aiming to lower water levels safely.
Severe Infrastructure Breakdown Across Manang
The extended monsoon storm and landslides have severely damaged basic infrastructure in the mountain district:
- Communication & Power Blackout: Electricity and local telephone networks have been disrupted in various locations across Manang for more than four days.
- Road Transportation Severed: Key parts of the Besisahar–Chame road remain blocked by landslides, isolating communities and limiting the deployment of rescue machinery.
Residents near the Marsyangdi River are urged to exercise caution. Disaster management committees in Manang and surrounding areas are closely monitoring the situation. They advise everyone, particularly those living near the river, to stay alert during this ongoing work.