Gopaghat, September 27:

Hundreds of passengers have been stranded for the past three days as landslides have prevented vehicular movement in the far-western region. There has been a shortage of edibles in the local markets of Gopaghat, Korayal, Faltude and Bangdunge and the limited number of hotels there have been unable to feed the passengers. As many as 60 vehicles bound for Gaighat from Dipayal and Siligudhi have had to stop at Gopaghat of Doti since this morning because of the landslides.

Passengers from Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Kailali districts were also forced to stay at Raduwa of Doti today. Landslides have continued in the section of the road at Raduwa and more than a dozen vehicles are stuck between Rasuda and Koralkhola. The number of passengers has gone up due to the upcoming Dashain festival. People returning to Nepal from India have also been delayed due to clogged roads. Around 20 media persons, who were in Bajura and Achham for on-spot inspections, have been stranded at Gopaghat.