KATHMANDU: Most of the main highways leading into Kathmandu Valley have been obstructed. Key routes including the Koshi Highway, Prithivi HIghway, BP Highway, Araniko Highway, Siddhicharan Lokmarg, Kulekhani, and Pasang Lhamu roads have become completely impassable.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that efforts are underway to safely relocate stranded passengers and vehicles from the affected highways.
Continuous heavy rainfall since Friday night has disrupted daily life across Nepal, spreading nationwide by Saturday morning. The persistent downpour has caused widespread interruptions to transportation and other essential activities.
Many travelers who had returned home for Dashain celebrations are now stranded due to the ongoing closure of major highways. With offices scheduled to reopen on Sunday, many face challenges returning to Kathmandu. However, the government’s declaration of public holidays on Sunday and Monday has eased concerns for those stuck or still celebrating Dashain in their hometowns.
Since early morning, various government agencies have been mobilized to manage the situation. Thanks to coordinated efforts by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Energy, no major casualties have been reported so far.
Advance weather bulletins, continuous meteorological warnings, and proactive disaster management by the government have helped keep the public informed throughout the heavy rains.
Several diversions built last year following floods near the Roshi River on the BP Highway have been washed away. Affected areas include Chowkidanda at the Roshi-Namobuddha border, Ghumaune in Roshi 7, Charsayabeshi Muni in Roshi 8, Gimdibeshi, Syaulebazaar Mathi, Narke and Boksikuna in Roshi 9, Dalabeshi in Roshi 11, and Piple in Roshi 12. The section between Piple and Dalabeshi, known as Buldhunga, is also impacted.
The Prithivi Highway has been cut off at Tuin Khola on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section, although a one-way passage was temporarily opened for a few hours. All vehicle traffic through Chitwan district has been banned to ensure safety.
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