MUSTANG: Heavy snowfall in Upper Mustang and continuous rainfall in the lower areas, triggered by the impact of Cyclone Arnab, have disrupted normal life in Mustang.
The Korala checkpoint has been closed due to heavy snowfall, while landslides triggered by continuous rain have obstructed sections of the Jomsom-Korala road.
Chief District Officer Parashuram Pokharel said heavy snowfall has been occurring in Lomanthang and Loghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities since Friday night. Meanwhile, lower areas from Chhusang to Ward No. 3 of Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality have been experiencing continuous rainfall.
The district administration has urged tourists, local residents and container drivers transporting goods through the Korala checkpoint to take safety precautions amid the adverse weather.
According to the Border Outpost (BOP) of the Armed Police Force in Nhechung, Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, around two to three feet of snow has accumulated at the Korala checkpoint and surrounding areas.
BOP Chief Armed Police Inspector Prakash Dhital said vehicle and tourist movement towards Korala had been suspended due to the increased risks posed by snowfall. Containers and electric vehicles that have already cleared customs at Nhechung and are travelling towards the Korala checkpoint or Jomsom have also been asked to remain off the road.
Dhital said Nepal-China border trade and import-export activities have been suspended until weather conditions improve.
Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairman Tasi Gurung said the heavy snowfall that began on Friday night was still continuing. He noted that such heavy snowfall in the month of Kartik was unprecedented.
Settlements in Upper Mustang, along with kharkas, patans and high-altitude areas, have been covered in snow. Gurung said the snowfall and accompanying drop in temperature had disrupted the daily lives of local residents.
Meanwhile, rainfall has also obstructed the Jomsom-Korala road section. According to Ishwor Mahat, information officer at the District Police Office, landslides have blocked the road from Jomsom towards Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-4 and the road above Chhusang in Ward No. 3 of Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality.
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