Nepal (The COW News Digital)A massive section of a mountain collapsed into the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal within seconds, triggering panic among local residents and leaving at least 24 people dead and 14 others missing, according to reports.
The dramatic incident occurred in Nepal’s Gandaki Province amid heavy rainfall and widespread flooding and landslides. A large portion of the mountain in Mustang district reportedly broke away and plunged into the Kali Gandaki River in just six seconds.
Video footage of the incident has circulated widely on social media, showing the mountainside suddenly giving way and crashing into the river. People near the area can be heard shouting in fear as huge amounts of earth, rocks and debris tumble down the slope.
The landslide temporarily disrupted the flow of the Kali Gandaki River, raising concerns about further flooding and hazards in downstream areas. Authorities and local residents have faced difficulties in reaching affected communities because several roads and highways were reportedly blocked by landslides and debris.
Heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage across parts of Gandaki Province, particularly in Mustang, Myagdi, Parbat and Syangja districts. Floodwaters and landslides have damaged infrastructure and affected settlements in mountainous areas.
One of the landslides reportedly swept through a village in Parbat district, carrying away structures and blocking transportation routes. Rescue and relief operations have been complicated by damaged roads and continuing risks from unstable mountain slopes.
Another video circulating online shows a large section of a hillside collapsing into a valley. Trees, rocks and temporary structures were swept away as the ground gave way. The footage also captures the distress of residents witnessing the disaster.
Reports said flooding and landslides in the affected areas have resulted in 24 deaths, while 14 people remain missing. Separately, an avalanche at a Himalayan base camp reportedly killed two people and left 10 others missing.
Nepal has repeatedly faced severe weather-related disasters during periods of intense rainfall. Mountainous terrain, saturated soil and unstable slopes can increase the risk of landslides, particularly when heavy rain continues for extended periods.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by communities living in Nepal’s mountainous regions. Emergency teams and local authorities are continuing efforts to assess the damage, locate missing people and provide assistance to affected residents.
The disaster comes amid reports of earlier devastating flooding in Nepal. According to the information cited in the report, the Bhotekoshi flooding on August 26 resulted in more than 1,400 deaths and left over 6,000 people missing.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring rivers and vulnerable mountain slopes as rainfall persists. Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to remain alert to possible landslides, flash floods and sudden changes in river levels.
The viral footage of the mountain collapse has drawn widespread attention because of the speed with which the enormous section of the mountainside disappeared into the river, demonstrating the sudden and destructive nature of landslides in mountainous terrain.
