Landslides and Floods Block Highways, Stranding Passengers Across Nepal

Pre-monsoon rains have triggered landslides and floods that have blocked several major highways and road sections across Nepal, leaving hundreds of vehicles and passengers stranded. Authorities say the disruptions have not only cut off vital transport links but also exposed the vulnerability of temporary road diversions and unfinished infrastructure projects.

The Nepal Police confirmed that the Kanti Highway was obstructed at Pangdur in Lalitpur’s Bagmati Rural Municipality-3, while the Mid-Hill Highway was blocked at Bimire Bhanjyang in Lamjung. Landslides also shut down the Bhaluwang–Pyuthan road section at Khare Khola in Pyuthan and the Kanti Highway at Bhayangdanda in Bhimphedi, Makwanpur.

The Araniko Highway at Kodari in Sindhupalchowk has remained completely closed since April 29 due to a landslide, while the Mid-Hill Highway in Bhojpur and the Beni–Jomsom road in Myagdi are open only for one-way traffic. Police have urged travelers to exercise caution, warning that the risk of floods and landslides will intensify with the rainy season.

Meanwhile, in Siraha district, a flood in the Kamala River swept away a temporary diversion on May 2, cutting off the Postal Highway that connects Siraha and Dhanusha. The diversion, built as a makeshift bridge while a permanent structure is under construction, had been repaired only days earlier. Assistant Chief District Officer Chetraj Baral said the high water flow has made immediate maintenance impossible, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

Local residents expressed frustration over repeated hardships caused by delays in completing the permanent bridge over the Kamala River. -- RSS