KATHMANDU: Flash floods triggered by torrential rain this morning swept away a makeshift bridge across the Bagmati, which links Old Baneshwor and Sinamangal.

Traffic has been suspended in the area since 4 this morning.

Motorists are using alternative routes to reach their respective destinations. Some huts, belonging to the squatters' settlement, along the bank of Bagmati river have also been damaged. However, no casulaty has been reported.

"The diversion collapsed due to the increase in water flow. Had the authorities paid attention to the fragile diversion, this could have been averted," alleged a local resident. Officials at the Department of Roads said a new diversion would be constructed soon.

The one-way diversion was constructed last year after the concrete bridge across the river collapsed due to excessive sand mining and erosion in the foundation pillars.