Gov't declares high alert after landslide blocks Kali Gandaki River in Nepal

KATHMANDU -- A massive landslide has blocked Kali Gandaki River in western Nepal's Myagdi district since early Sunday morning.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the landslide triggered by earthquake has blocked the river in Baisari village development committee, burying a few dozen houses.

However, no human casualty has been reported so far.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment has immediately declared "high alert" in the settlements along the banks of Kali Gandaki River on its website.

Locals of district headquarters Beni and Galeshwor among others have started to move to safer locations. Meanwhile, residents living in the downstream of the river from districts like Syangja, Parbat, Myagdi, Baglung, Gulmi, Palpa, Nawalparasi have been asked to stay alert.

The home ministry also informed that a chopper with six rescue personnel have been mobilized in Myagdi this morning for the rescue efforts. Nepal Police, Nepal Army and officials from the home ministry are already on the scene.