Kathmandu, September 4
Landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall have caused complete or partial blockages on major highways in the Kathmandu Valley and Bagmati Province.
According to a road condition update issued by the Nepal Police, the Prithvi Highway is completely blocked following a landslide at Krishnabhir in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7, Dhading. However, small vehicles are operating on a single lane at Parewa Bhir in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2, while one-way traffic is in effect in the Jawangkhola and Kamere Bhir areas.
In view of the risk of flooding, time restrictions have been imposed on vehicles operating along the Kavre section of the BP Highway. Cargo vehicles weighing up to 10 tonnes will be permitted to operate between 7 pm and 5 am, while daytime operations will be allowed only after assessing road conditions.
Traffic has been completely halted after floodwaters damaged the road at Khalte in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-5 along the Trishuli-Mailung-Syaphrubesi road section in Rasuwa. Other major roads in Rasuwa also remain closed until further notice.
Similarly, vehicular movement has been prohibited from 10 pm to 5 am at Ghattekhola along the Tokha-Chhahare road in Nuwakot due to the risk of landslides. Police have also reported that the Pasang Lhamu road section at Simtar is completely closed.
One-way traffic has resumed on the Kathmandu-Dhading road section following the removal of a landslide at Chisapani in Chandragiri Municipality-2, a gateway to Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, police have urged the public to avoid travel unless necessary and to contact the traffic police or the police control room in the respective district to inquire about road conditions before undertaking long-distance journeys.
Police said a dozer and a technical team have been mobilised to clear blocked roads.
