ILAM: The Golakharka-Rajduwali section of the Mechi Highway in Ilam has been obstructed after landslides triggered by rainfall blocked the road.
The road was disrupted after a landslide fell onto the highway at Maikhola in Ilam Municipality-9.
Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal said the highway was blocked by landslides brought on by heavy rainfall last night. He said the section has a history of landslide-related disruptions due to its vulnerable terrain.
Authorities have started efforts to clear the debris and reopen the road for small vehicles through one-way traffic, Dhakal said. However, he added that it may take some time to resume the movement of larger vehicles as landslides continue to fall onto the road.
“Since last night, the road has been completely blocked due to landslides and debris. We have been working since this morning to clear the obstruction and allow small vehicles to operate one-way, but it may take some time,” Dhakal said.
Meanwhile, another section of the Mechi Highway near the Ilam-Jhapa border in Rong Rural Municipality-4 has also been blocked after two trees fell and a mound collapsed onto the road.
District Police Office Chief Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Chand said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and reopen the road.
The blockage has affected residents and travelers from Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung and Jhapa. Passengers travelling between Jhapa and the eastern hill districts have been stranded due to the disruption.
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