A flood alert has been issued by Department of Hydrology's Flood Forecasting Section along the Larcha Bridge and Dolalghat of Sindhupalchok district after landslides partially blocked Bhotekoshi River in the district on Sunday evening.

It is learnt that the Larcha Bridge has collapsed due to the landslide triggered by the incessant rain. The bridge located at Bhotekoshi Village Council connects Tatopani and Fulpingkatti.

“A huge landmass has fallen into the river thereby increasing the risk of blockage,” said Armed Police Force DSP Bimal Dangi.

Locals fear that landmass might block the river at some narrow edge and lead to flood. The fear of flood has triggered widespread panic among the locals residing in vicinity.

“We are not able to sleep due to the fear of flood,” said Padam Shrestha, a local from Larcha, “The sudden collapse of the bridge has invited the risk of flood.” Shrestha said that people from bordering villages like Tatopani, Barhabise and Khadichaur are on high alert. 

The department of Hydrology, in its alert notice, has said that the exact figure of river blockage has not been ascertained yet, as the continuous rainfall in the area, the river might swell further.

Eyewitnesses say the water level in the river has increased by two metres.

A massive landslide had blocked Sunkoshi River at Mankha VDC in Sindhupalchowk district  in August 2014, killing scores of people.