Hewa Khola flood blocks Mechi Highway, life disrupted in east

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has triggered a massive flood in the Hewa River of Panchthar district, washing away a diversion and completely obstructing the Mechi Highway.

The disruption has brought transportation in three local municipalities of Taplejung and Panchthar to a halt, severely affecting daily life in the region.

According to Arun Pokharel, Chief District Officer of Panchthar, the rising water level in the river overflowed the diversion, forcing authorities to shut down vehicular movement entirely. “The water level is gradually receding. Once the flow reduces, efforts will be made to repair the diversion and resume transport,” he said.

The Hewa River area has been repeatedly plagued by infrastructure failures. In Ashar 2080 BS, a flood swept away the main bridge over the river. A temporary bailey bridge erected afterward was also destroyed by another flood on Ashoj 12.

Since then, a makeshift diversion had been in place to keep traffic moving.

However, on Jestha 31, the same day officials claimed the completion of a new bailey bridge connecting Phidim Municipality–4 and Hilihang Rural Municipality–7, it collapsed again.

This recurring failure has raised serious concerns about the durability and sustainability of local infrastructure.

Tamor Corridor Also Blocked

The situation is further worsened as the Tamor Corridor has also been blocked due to landslides.

According to the District Police Office in Dhankuta, landslides in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality–9 have brought transportation in the corridor to a complete standstill.

With both major routes cut off, the livelihoods of residents in the eastern hill districts have been severely affected.

Locals in Taplejung and Panchthar are facing significant difficulties in mobility and transportation of goods, compounding the challenges posed by the monsoon.