A massive landslide triggered by heavy rains in northeast Nepal yesterday has killed at least eight people, injured 40 and buried dozens of homes.

The landslide created a mud dam blocking the Sunkoshi river near Jure in the Sindhupalchowk district, about 37 miles northeast of Kathmandu, heightening fears of downstream floods that could reach as far as Bihar in eastern India.

Nepal's army spokesman, Jagadish Pokharel, said efforts were being made to break down the dam to avoid floods.