Surkhet, September 25
With heavy rain continuing, long-distance vehicles operating in Karnali Province have been completely suspended. The ban was imposed to protect passengers and vehicles from potential accidents, given the high risk of floods, landslides, and road blockages.
According to the Karnali Province Police Office, long-distance vehicles operating toward Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Jumla, Humla, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Dolpa, Salyan, and Rukum have been suspended.
Karnali Province Police spokesperson Santosh Singh Rathore said short-distance local vehicles are still operating depending on road conditions.
Landslides, road subsidence, and rising water levels in rivers and streams have been reported at various points along the Bheri Corridor, Karnali Highway, Rapti Highway, and Mid-Hill Highway in particular. Rain has been falling steadily across Karnali since early Friday morning.
Transport has been suspended because of the risk that long-distance vehicles could get stranded mid-route if the roads are blocked. Since hill districts typically lack immediate alternative routes once a road is blocked, even a minor obstruction can turn into a transport problem lasting hours or even days — which is why the suspension was ordered.
