A landslide occurred in Pithoragarh of Dharchula, India, on Friday night swept away the temporary embankment built on the Nepali side of Mahakali River, triggering fears of possible floor among people living in Bangabagad Village of Darchula district.

The villagers said they were at risk after the landslide had built up water pressure on the Nepali side of the river. Local Ram Singh Mahara said the river which was blocked by the landslide over night swept away the embankment. “The houses near the river are at risk of erosion,” said Mahara.

Reports of continuous landslides in Pithoragarh area have only fuelling their fear. “The landslide debris could block the river completely,” said Mahara. On October 4, debris from a landslide had partially obstructed the river in the same area. Chief District Officer Mohanraj Joshi said the security

personnel have been mobilised in the landslide affected area. “We will start installing gabion walls from Sunday

to control the land erosion,” he said.

The embankment project in Bangabagad was halted in view of monsoon rains. The construction of embankment was initiated in the wake of the devastating Mahakali flood three years ago in which at least 12 people were killed.