A large landslide near Nyalam on the Chinese side of the border has disrupted the flow of the Bhotekoshi river, prompting authorities to warn residents downstream to remain alert.

The landslide began falling from a cliff near Nyalam at around 6:30 am on Thursday, carrying rocks and earth into the river. The affected area lies on the Chinese side, across from the Bailey bridge connecting Liping Bazar, according to the Armed Police Force deployed along the border.

Kumar Shrestha, ward chairman of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2, said part of the river had been obstructed by the debris, raising concerns that its flow could change suddenly and pose a risk to communities downstream.

“A landslide has been falling from the cliff around Jhimmu Post in Nyalam on the Chinese side since about 6:30 am Thursday,” Shrestha said. “As the landslide has affected the river’s flow, we have urged people downstream to remain alert.”

The District Police Office in Sindhupalchok said the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were monitoring the river after the debris fell into it. Authorities have warned that further landslides could block the river, allowing water to accumulate and potentially triggering a sudden surge downstream.

Residents around the dam site, Jholunge, Lamosanghu, Khadichaur, Andheri, Kothe and Balephi Bazar in Balephi Rural Municipality have been specifically urged to exercise heightened caution.

However, Shashidhar Ghimire, chief district officer of Sindhupalchok, said reports that half of the river had been blocked were inaccurate. Only a small amount of debris had fallen into the river, and the Bhotekoshi river was continuing to flow normally, he said.

“Half of the river has not been blocked. Only a small amount of debris has fallen into the river, and the river is continuing to flow normally,” Ghimire said. “There is no need to panic at this point.”

Security agencies and local authorities are continuously monitoring the landslide site and the condition of the river, Ghimire said.

Residents have been advised to stay away from the riverbanks and downstream areas, remain in safe locations and move to higher or safer ground immediately if they notice any sudden change in the river’s flow.