Kathmandu, 25 September (H.S.): All major highways connecting Nepal’s capital Kathmandu with other parts of the country have been blocked by landslides. Continuous rainfall since Thursday afternoon has brought traffic to a complete standstill on the Prithvi Highway, Kanti Lokpath and BP Highway.

According to police, landslides have occurred at more than half a dozen locations, including Krishnabhir in Dhading. Dhading District Police Office Superintendent of Police Sumit Khadka said landslides accompanied by falling rocks occurred at seven locations during the night, completely blocking the highways.

Vehicular movement on the Prithvi Highway had already been halted throughout the night from Thursday evening. The local administration had planned to resume traffic from 5 a.m. on Friday, but continued rainfall and fresh landslides have now forced the Prithvi Highway to remain closed indefinitely.

The Dhading District Administration Office issued a notice on Friday morning imposing a complete ban on the movement of all vehicles along the Prithvi Highway until further orders.

According to Chief District Officer Laxmi Pandey Gautam, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days. The decision was taken in view of the potential risks and the safety of travellers.

On August 26, a section of the road in the Krishnabhir area had subsided due to erosion along the Trishuli River. Traffic was restored after a diversion was constructed in about two weeks. During the latest spell of rain, landslides occurred on the same diversion as well as at several other locations in the surrounding area.

The administration has appealed to people to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. The risk to those travelling by road has increased due to continuous rainfall and landslides.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar