ILAM: The Mechi Highway remains obstructed more than a week after a massive landslide caused by heavy rainfall on October 4.
The landslide occurred along the Ilam–Rajduwali section in Ilam Municipality-9 and has completely halted vehicular traffic along this vital route.
Despite continuous efforts by the Road Division Office, security forces, and local residents, the road has not yet been reopened. Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Road Division Office, stated that the scale of the landslide is unusually large, as an entire hillside has collapsed, making it extremely difficult to clear.
Three excavators are currently in use, but progress remains slow. Assistant Chief District Officer Bholanath Guragain confirmed that the road is officially closed until repairs ensure it is safe for public use.
The Rajduwali and Milgolai sections along the Ilam–Nepaltar stretch of the highway have suffered significant damage. While the obstruction at Milgolai has been cleared, allowing vehicles from Panchthar and Taplejung to reach Rajduwali, the landslide at Rajduwali remains unaddressed.
Vehicles traveling from Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung to Jhapa are halted at Rajduwali, while vehicles from Jhapa to Ilam are stopped at Maikhola. Passengers are being forced to walk approximately one and a half kilometers to cross the blocked area.
Security personnel are assisting the elderly and those in poor health by carrying them on stretchers between Maikhola and Rajduwali.
Alternative routes between Ilam and Jhapa have also been severed. Floods washed away the Puwakhola section of the Mechi Corridor (Kechana–Kanchanjungha Road) and the Jogmaikhola Bailey Bridge under the Tilkeni–Simalgolai Road, leaving no functioning road between the two regions.
As a result, five of Ilam district’s 10 local levels have been disconnected from the district headquarters. According to the District Administration Office, the disaster has caused extensive infrastructure damage.
A total of 19 concrete bridges, two Bailey bridges, 11 culverts, and three suspension bridges have been damaged. Additionally, 31 roads across the district have sustained damage.
The floods and landslides have resulted in serious humanitarian impacts. Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal reported that 39 people have lost their lives, 26 others have been injured, and one person is still missing.
A total of 276 families have been displaced, with 151 houses completely destroyed and 327 houses partially damaged. The region continues to struggle with access, mobility, and relief delivery amid ongoing road closures.
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