PANCHTHAR: Many villages in Panchthar district are reeling under shortage of essentials after disruptions along various road sections due to landslides.

Various road stretches have been obstructed after being hit by rain-triggered landslides at multiple locations, hindering the supplies of essentials, local traders said.

The situation is further aggravated as the festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath are approaching.

Vehicular movements along the Ranke-Rabi stretch have remained halted for past four months. Consequently, the traders are forced to use alternative routes which require at least a week to supply essentials to the district, said local trader Santosh Sherma of Saptami Bazaar.

The VDCs facing the shortage of foodstuffs include Memeng, Prangbung, Sarangdanda, Kurumba, Limba and Durdambi in the eastern hill district.

Rice, beaten rice and other basic commodities like edible oil, sugar and pulse are in the short supply, said trader Mitra Sapkota of Memeng-4.