Haldwani, July 10 -- Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near Haradiya on the Thal-Munsiyari road in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, creating an artificial lake nearly 600 metres long on the Ramganga River and prompting authorities to place downstream areas under constant surveillance, officials said on Thursday. Officials said debris and boulders from the hillside slid into the river following torrential rain on July 4. The impounded water is gradually extending towards Bhaiskot village, raising concerns for an estimated 600-700 residents of about five villages, including Bhaiskhal, Basgun and Chhipa. The Ratigaad and Haradiya slopes along the Thal-Munsiyari route have long been prone to landslides. Similar lakes formed on the Ramganga following slope failures in 2013, 2016 and 2024. Experts have cautioned that a sudden breach of the impounded water body could trigger flash floods downstream. The rising water level has also washed away temporary bridges across the Ramganga, disrupting connectivity between villages in Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts .Munsiyari sub-divisional magistrate Lalit Mohan Tiwari said officials have inspected vulnerable locations, including Haradiya, and are closely monitoring the situation....