Destabilized after avalanche, glacial lake returning to normal state

The Birendra Tal, a glacial lake at Samagaun, Chumanubri Rural Municipality-1 in northern Gorkha, has gradually started to return to its normal state. The lake was destabilized after it was hit by a huge avalanche originating in Mt Manaslu on Sunday morning, leading to an overflow.

“As a result of the overflow of the lake due to the avalanche, the excess water had flown down into the Budhi Gandaki River. Now, the situation is normal and the lake is gradually returning to its previous condition,” said Bhola Dahal, the chief district officer of Gorkha.

According to him, the overflow of the lake following the crashing of the avalanche into it did not cause any significant physical and human losses as there are no settlements near the lake. According to CDO Dahal, the avalanche in the lake from the mountain face has also stopped. “The increased water flow in the Budhi Gandaki river due to the overflowing of the lake has washed away a wooden bridge on the way to Samdo from Samagaun which is about half an hour’s trek from the lake,” said CDO Dahal, adding that there are no other humanitarian and physical damages due to the lake overflow. The avalanche has also stopped.