Kathmandu— A fresh flood in the Trishuli River destroyed a suspension bridge today, cutting off access for residents of Gandaki Rural Municipality 7 and 8 in Gorkha district to the Prithvi Highway. The bridge, which connected Ghyalchowk with Charaudi, was washed away around 11:30 am after approximately three hours of flooding, impacting transportation of goods and limiting access for roughly 400 households. This is the third suspension bridge lost to recent floods in the area.

Bridge's Importance to Local Communities

The Ghyalchowk-Charaudi bridge was a vital route for residents, providing easy access to the Prithvi Highway and facilitating trade. Approximately 400 households relied on the bridge to transport dairy products and vegetables to an agricultural cooperative in Charaudi, enabling them to bring their produce to market. The loss of this infrastructure will severely impact local farmers' ability to supply goods.

The bridge had only been constructed six years ago, making its destruction particularly impactful for those who depended on it.

Recent Flood Damage

This latest incident follows a devastating flood on August 26 that swept away a bridge at Dhawadighat, downstream from the Ghyalchowk-Charaudi location. Locals had been utilizing the Ghyalchowk-Charaudi Bridge as an alternative route after the Dhawadighat bridge was destroyed.

Impact on Transportation

With both bridges now gone, residents of Gandaki Rural Municipality 7 and 8 face significant challenges in accessing the Prithvi Highway. Binod Naharki, a local resident, confirmed the bridge’s destruction this morning.

The Trishuli River has now washed away three suspension bridges due to recent flooding, leaving communities with limited transportation options.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.