Dhorpatan (Baglung), September 1
A major flood in Nisikhola Rural Municipality-4, Baglung, has completely blocked the Burtibang–Rukum East section of the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway.
The flood, triggered by continuous rainfall on Sunday night, originated from the local Kalapaira Khola (stream), according to ward chair Tikanidhi Paudel.
As a result, vehicles traveling from Rukum East to Kathmandu and Pokhara have been stranded at Kalapaira. Similarly, vehicles heading to Rukum East and Rolpa via Nisi and Valkot from Burtibang are stuck at Kanabagar, he said.
Local authorities, in coordination with highway management officials, are working to reopen the road, at least partially. However, multiple landslides along the highway, coupled with fallen trees, have worsened the situation. Debris continues to flow whenever the rain resumes, making restoration efforts particularly difficult.
“There has never been such a significant flood here before,” said Paudel. “Vehicular movement has come to a complete halt. We are trying to open at least one lane, but due to the extent of the damage, it will take time to fully reopen the route.”
In addition to the highway closure, all rural roadways in Nisikhola remain disrupted due to rain-induced landslides.
