Nepal

Nine road sections blocked, overnight travel curbs on key routes

By THT Online

File - A landslide occurred at Ratamate, located in Suryagadhi Rural Municipality–2, Nuwakot. Photo: RSS

Key Takeaways:

  • Nine road sections blocked by landslides, subsidence and river erosion
  • BP Highway travel restricted 6pm–4am; Kanti Lokpath closed 5pm–5am
  • Major highways disrupted: Mechi, Araniko, Pasang Lhamu, Bheri Corridor, Koshi, Besisahar–Manang, Beni–Jomsom
  • Police urge travellers to check conditions and follow safety instructions
KATHMANDU, AUGUST 17 Continuous rainfall has disrupted road connectivity across the country, with nine road sections fully blocked by landslides, road subsidence and river erosion, while two key routes have imposed overnight travel restrictions due to rising risks. According to Nepal Police, traffic along the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi–Sindhuli section of the BP Highway is being halted from 6pm to 4am because of the potential risk of flooding. Vehicles are allowed to operate between 4am and 6pm. The Kanti Lokpath in Makwanpur is also closed to all vehicles from 5pm to 5am because of rainfall. Several major highways have been completely disrupted. The Mechi Highway is blocked at Rajduwali in Ilam Municipality-9 after the road became muddy, although an alternative route is available. The Araniko Highway has been blocked at Iku in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2, Sindhupalchok, after a landslide deposited rocks, soil and mud on the road. The same highway is also blocked at Liping after the road subsided. In Rasuwa, the Pasang Lhamu Highway has been disrupted at Khalte in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-5 after the Trishuli River eroded the road from below. Traffic along the Trishuli–Mailung–Syabrubesi route remains halted. The Bheri Corridor, which links Jajarkot with Dolpa, is blocked at Rizegard Khola in Aathbiskot Municipality-6, Rukum West, after rocks, soil and mud fell onto the road. In Sankhuwasabha, around 10 metres of the Koshi Highway has subsided at Sirekdanda in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-3, disrupting the Khandbari–Kimathanka route. The Besisahar–Manang road has also been blocked at Rambazar in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-4, Lamjung, after a landslide fell from above the road. The Beni–Jomsom road is similarly blocked at Rukse in Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, Myagdi, following a landslide carrying rocks, soil and mud. Police have urged motorists and passengers to check road conditions before travelling and exercise caution, particularly on vulnerable routes in the hill and Himalayan districts, where continuous rainfall has increased the risk of landslides, road subsidence and river erosion.