Kalikot, September 6
A major mudslide at Gagane Khola in Shubh Kalika Rural Municipality-1 of Kalikot has completely blocked the Surkhet–Jumla section of the Karnali Highway. According to the District Police Office, Kalikot, the highway was blocked after a large landslide fell at Gagane Khola at around 6:30 pm on Saturday.
Vehicles travelling to Jumla from Surkhet via Dailekh and Kalikot, as well as those heading towards Surkhet from Jumla, have been stranded on the road. Passengers have also been left stranded. Some have turned back and taken shelter in Rakam and Khidkijiula in Dailekh. Passengers travelling from Jumla and Kalikot towards Surkhet and Nepalgunj have also turned back and spent the night in Hulma Bazaar.
DSP Him Bahadur Chhetri, chief of the District Police Office, Kalikot, said efforts have been underway since Sunday morning to clear the road, but the large volume of debris means the work will take time.
Police have urged travellers to check road conditions before setting out, as landslides and other road obstructions may occur at other points along the Karnali Highway.
