Surkhet, September 7
Traffic along various sections of the Karnali Highway has been disrupted after landslides triggered by incessant rainfall hit several locations along the highway. Damage to sections of the road has affected transportation since Sunday evening.
Although efforts are underway to clear the landslides and repair damaged sections of the road, it will take some time for the highway to fully reopen, according to the District Administration Office, Jumla. Given the condition of the road and the nature of the landslides, authorities said it would be difficult to restore smooth traffic immediately at all locations.
According to Jumla Chief District Officer Tej Prakash Prasai, landslides have blocked the road at several locations along the Karnali Highway. Coordination is underway with the concerned agencies to reopen the road, while necessary machinery and personnel have been mobilised to expedite debris removal.
“Landslides have occurred at several locations along the highway. Efforts are underway to reopen the road. However, as some sections have been damaged, it may take a few days for the highway to fully resume operations,” Prasai said. According to him, although efforts are being made to clear the landslides and reopen the road, the risk of further landslides remains due to continued rainfall. Authorities said weather conditions could therefore affect efforts to reopen the highway.
Authorities urge passengers and freight operators to exercise caution
The disruption has affected passengers and freight vehicles travelling to Jumla and other districts in Karnali. The administration has urged travellers to exercise caution, warning that vehicles could become stranded en route if people travel without first checking the road conditions.
As the risk of landslides is particularly high on the Karnali Highway during the monsoon, travellers have been advised to obtain updated information about road conditions from the concerned authorities before setting out.
Chief District Officer Prasai urged passengers and freight operators to coordinate with the Road Division Office in Jumla before travelling or transporting goods. He said vehicles should operate only after confirming which sections are open to traffic and where obstructions remain.
Machinery and personnel mobilised to clear road
The Road Division Office and other concerned agencies have mobilised necessary machinery and personnel to remove landslides from blocked sections. In addition to clearing debris, repair work is being carried out based on the condition of damaged sections.
However, authorities said the work has been challenging in some locations because sections of the road have been damaged and rocks and soil continue to fall from above. Travellers and drivers have been urged to remain cautious until the road is fully cleared and deemed safe, as the risk of further landslides remains even after traffic resumes.
Landslides have repeatedly disrupted the Karnali Highway during the monsoon in recent years. Traffic has previously been disrupted by landslides at locations including Gaganekhola, Pili, Molpha and S Mode.
According to the Road Division Office, Jumla, several locations along the road from Dahikhola in Dailekh to Jumla district headquarters, Khalanga, are vulnerable to landslides.
Travellers urged to check road conditions before departure
The District Administration Office, Jumla, has urged people travelling along the highway to check the latest road conditions before setting out. Authorities have advised travellers to proceed only in coordination with the concerned agencies, warning that attempting to force vehicles through blocked sections while clearance work is underway could be dangerous.
Freight operators and drivers have also been advised not to operate their vehicles until they receive confirmation that the road has reopened. Authorities have particularly urged long-distance freight operators to obtain advance information, as vehicles may otherwise be forced to remain stranded for extended periods en route.
Chief District Officer Prasai said the Road Division Office, District Administration Office and security agencies are coordinating to restore traffic along the highway. He said road clearance work has been prioritised and regular traffic would resume once conditions return to normal.
