Kathmandu— Severe weather, including a flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River and persistent rainfall across the country, has led to widespread highway closures impacting travel throughout Nepal. The Muglin-Galchhi section of the Prithvi Highway, along with sections of Mechi Highway, Rukum Paschim Bheri Corridor, Pasang Lhamu Highway, and the Martyr Highway in Rolpa are currently obstructed, disrupting traffic flow and posing challenges for commuters. Authorities are working to clear debris and restore access as quickly as possible.

Highway Disruptions

Several key highways have been affected by the combined impact of flooding and landslides. The Muglin-Galchhi section, along with Muglin-Narayangadh sections under Prithvi highway, Mechi Highway, Rukum Paschim Bheri Corridor, Pasang Lhamu and Martyr highway of Rolpa are all currently blocked to traffic. While the Galchhi-Baireni section of the Prithvi Highway has been opened to one-way traffic since Thursday evening, significant challenges remain in restoring full connectivity.

Debris Removal Efforts

Efforts are concentrated on clearing approximately seven hundred meters of debris from the Malekhu-Galaudi section. Crews are also working at Jyangkhola within Benighat Rorang rural municipality and Baireni in Galchhi rural municipality to remove flood deposits, according to officials. Shuva Raj Neupane, a spokesperson for the Department of Roads, stated that authorities aim to reopen the Prithvi Highway once the debris is cleared.

Ongoing Challenges

The Department of Roads reports continued work at multiple locations within Dhading and Galchhi rural municipalities to address the impact of the flash floods. The extent of damage and ongoing rainfall are complicating efforts to fully assess the situation and provide accurate timelines for complete restoration of all affected roadways.

Authorities continue to monitor conditions and prioritize debris removal to restore transportation access on the impacted highways.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.