Kathmandu, 13 August (H.S.): The Mid-Hill Highway in Nepal’s eastern Rukum district has been blocked following incessant heavy rainfall since Wednesday evening. The highway was completely disrupted after landslides, debris and strong water currents struck the Kadabagar and Dhaulapahiro sections of Bhume Rural Municipality.

Following the road blockade, passenger buses and other vehicles travelling from Kathmandu towards Rukum East, Rukum West and Dolpa have been forced to stop along the route. Thousands of passengers are reportedly stranded on the highway due to the landslides.

Efforts to clear the debris and restore traffic are underway with the help of bulldozers and other necessary equipment. However, continuous rainfall has made the removal of landslide debris difficult and is hampering efforts to reopen the road.

Rukum East Chief District Officer Kopila Rai confirmed the development. She said JCB excavators have also been deployed in Sisne and Bhume rural municipalities to clear the road. The landslide has caused damage to the highway, and it may take some time before normal traffic can resume completely.

Authorities have warned that the risk of further landslides remains high as long as the rainfall continues. Passengers have therefore been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel through areas considered vulnerable to landslides.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar