January 28, Rukum East
Heavy snowfall along the border areas of Baglung and eastern Rukum has completely blocked the Mid-Hill Highway, disrupting transportation in the region. Nearly two feet of snow accumulated at the Patihalne area of Bhume Rural Municipality–1, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.
According to the District Traffic Police Office, Rukum East, continuous rainfall has accompanied the snowfall, and adverse weather conditions have also severed communication links in the area.
Following the road closure, passenger buses and other vehicles travelling from Kathmandu to Rukum East, Rukum West, and Dolpa have been stranded mid-journey. Passengers, left exposed on the highway amid freezing conditions, are facing severe hardship.
Chief District Officer of Rukum East, Sita Pariyar, said that a JCB bulldozer has been dispatched from the Bhume Rural Municipality centre to clear the road.
“Efforts are underway to reopen the highway, but persistent rainfall has made it difficult to begin work,” Pariyar told Onlinekhabar. “Once the rain stops, the snow will be cleared and traffic will be restored.”
As a high-altitude Himalayan stretch, the road is blocked by snowfall almost every year. This time, however, heavy snow combined with the failure of phone networks has further complicated rescue efforts and coordination, security officials said.
