Floods & landslides disrupt major highways across Nepal

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has caused significant damage to infrastructure and road blockages in various parts of the country, halting transportation.

According to reports, roads in Lamjung, Dang, Chitwan, Baglung, Parbat, and Udayapur are blocked.

Landslide Blocks Narayanghat-Muglin Road

A landslide has obstructed the Narayanghat-Muglin road. The landslide occurred near the suspension bridge and Simaltal in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29, as reported by the Chitwan District Police Office. Efforts are underway to clear the debris and resume vehicle movement in coordination with the Road Division.

Prithvi Highway Partially Open

The landslide near Mouwakhola in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-3 has been cleared, allowing one-way traffic on the Prithvi Highway. Inspector Nirala Bhandari from the Mugling Area Police Office mentioned that continuous rainfall is causing frequent landslides, and it will take some time to fully reopen the road. Meanwhile, local authorities have advised avoiding travel on this road unless absolutely necessary.

Maldhunga-Beni Road Blocked

The Maldhunga-Beni road, part of the Kaligandaki Corridor connecting Myagdi and Mustang to the national highway, is blocked due to three landslides following heavy rainfall last night. A major landslide near Maldhunga in Kushma Municipality-1 has obstructed the 13 km stretch of road. Another blockage occurred at Funfune in Jaljala Rural Municipality-8.

Six Houses Buried in Parbat

In Modi Rural Municipality, Parbat, six houses were buried by a landslide. The landslide occurred in Deupur, Modi Rural Municipality-2, displacing 15 families, including nine at risk, according to the Parbat District Police Office. Another house was buried in Chhapa, Kushma Municipality-11.

Gaighat-Diktel Road Blocked

The Gaighat-Diktel road in Udayapur district is blocked due to a landslide at Ratmate Hill in Triyuga Municipality-14. The road has been closed since Wednesday afternoon. Efforts are underway to resume operation of essential vehicles, including ambulances, through coordinated efforts by the District Administration Office, Triyuga Municipality, and the Gaighat-Diktel Road Office.

Mid-Hill Highway Closed

A landslide has blocked the Baglung section of the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway. The landslide occurred at Bayaldanda in Kathekhola Rural Municipality-6, Baglung, as reported by Superintendent of Police Rishiram Kandel from the Baglung District Police Office.

Besisahar-Chame Road Still Closed

The Besisahar-Chame road connecting Lamjung and Manang has been closed for ten days. Flooding washed away the concrete bridge over Timangkhola in Chame Rural Municipality-1, Manang, halting traffic. A wooden bridge had temporarily replaced the washed-away Bailey bridge two years ago, and a motorable concrete bridge was built two years ago.

Diversion Damaged

The Ghorahi-Tulsipur and Ghorahi roads are also blocked due to floods. The diversion in the under-construction bridge on the Ghorahi-Tulsipur section was washed away, closing the road.