KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has disrupted road connectivity across several districts, with landslides, floods and river erosion blocking major highways and forcing authorities to introduce alternative routes.
According to the Nepali Police, traffic has been completely halted on some road sections because of landslides and floods, while alternative routes have been arranged in other areas.
The Prithvi Highway has been completely blocked at Krishnabhir in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7, Dhading, after erosion caused by the Trishuli River. Traffic has also been disrupted at Parewabhir in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2, where around 20 to 25 metres of the highway was washed away by flooding.
Meanwhile, the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Rasuwa has been severely affected by the floods of 10 Bhadra, with extensive erosion along the Trishuli River bank. Transport services on most sections of the highway have been disrupted.
As an alternative route to Syafrubesi, authorities have recommended a single-lane, unpaved road running through Kathmandu-Tokha-Chhahare-Bidur-Nuwakot Durbar-Phalante-Chokade-Lachyang-Sarmathali-Pachryang-Bhorle-Kalikasthan-Syaubari-Ramche-Sole-Dhunche.
It also stated that a landslide at Lachyang hill in Suryagadhi Rural Municipality-1, Nuwakot, has blocked the road. Vehicle movement, except for essential services, has been prohibited on the Tokha-Chhahare section from 10 pm to 5 am.
In Lamjung, the Besisahar-Manang road section has been completely blocked after a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall occurred at Kharkharebhir in Besisahar Municipality-6. Similarly, traffic on the Nagma-Gamgadhi road section in Mugu has been halted after rain triggered the flow of mud and stones onto the road.
According to the police, a landslide has also obstructed the Gothalapani-Jhulaghat road section in Dasharathchand Municipality-8, Baitadi. Meanwhile, the Mechi Highway at Rajduwali in Ilam, which had been blocked by mud, has reopened for small vehicles.
In Makawanpur, authorities have arranged alternative routes for different categories of vehicles. Goods vehicles and large passenger vehicles of up to 10 wheels travelling towards Kathmandu have been directed to use the Tribhuvan Highway and return via the Kanti Highway.
Similarly, passenger vehicles with fewer than 14 seats travelling towards Hetauda have been instructed to use the Pharping-Fakhel-Kulekhani-Bhimphedi route, while those heading towards Kathmandu must use the Bhimphedi-Kulekhani-Sisneri-Dakshinkali route.
Authorities have urged the public to travel only when necessary during the disaster, operate vehicles within the designated hours, avoid overtaking and strictly follow instructions from traffic police and security personnel.
Meanwhile, in view of the risk of flooding, vehicle movement on the BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli has been prohibited from 6 pm to 4 am. Traffic will be allowed on the highway between 4 am and 6 pm.
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