An avalanche in ward 2 of Thasang Rural Municipality, Mustang, has blocked the Boksikhola, a tributary of the Kaligandaki River.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhoj Raj Pandey, chief of the District Police Office, Mustang, said the avalanche from the Dhaulagiri Icefall blocked the river near Gurusangwe Cave, just downstream from the river’s source. The avalanche has obstructed around 80 percent of the river’s flow.

Somal Hirachan, vice-chair of the rural municipality, told the Post that while there is no immediate risk by the flood, residents of five to seven houses have been relocated to safer ground. He warned, however, of the potential for a flash flood downstream if the lake formed by the avalanche bursts.