Nepal battles widespread road blockages and natural disasters as late monsoon persists

September 20, Kathmandu: Heavy rainfall has sparked landslides and floods, paralysing major roads across Nepal.

Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire reports severe disruptions. The Koshi Highway has closed at Bhotkhola.

Another section at Ekua in Makalu rural municipality in Sankhuwasabha remains blocked. A landslide has stopped traffic on Siddhicharan Highway in Sirise, Katari municipality-8 in Udhaypur district.

Floodwaters have cut off Miteri Bridge, a key link between Rasuwa and China. Araniko Highway faces closures at Kodari and Daklang in Bhotekoshi rural municipality, Sindhupalchok. In Chitwan, a landslide at Tui Khola in Ichchhakamana rural municipality-5 has blocked the Narayangadh-Muglin road.

Slides started Friday evening and lasted into Saturday morning, hampering debris removal. Ghimire says teams have begun clearing affected areas, but work is slow due to ongoing rain. Kaligandaki Corridor, Ratna Highway, East-West Highway, and Galchi-Trishuli Road allow one-way traffic, offering some relief for travellers.

In similar news, since mid-April, 3681 incidents have struck 6590 households, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. These events have killed 243 people, injured 869, and left 24 missing. Fires lead with 1295 cases, claiming 23 lives, injuring 177, and damaging 1411 homes. Floods have hit 263 times, killing 29, leaving 23 missing, injuring 14, and affecting 1861 families. Landslides number 463, with 24 deaths and 41 injuries.

Heavy rainfall has caused 340 incidents, killing six, injuring 14, and impacting 811 households. Lightning strikes total 290, killing 38, injuring 212, and hitting 351 homes. Snake bites have reached 304, claiming 77 lives and injuring 233. Forest fires log 85 cases, injuring two and affecting 27 families. Storms have struck 284 times, killing eight, injuring 44, and damaging 541 homes.

Animal attacks number 217, killing 20, injuring 88, and impacting 366 families. The authority has launched public awareness drives and bolstered early warning systems to curb losses. With more rain forecast, police urge drivers to stay cautious.

Rapid response teams support recovery, but challenges persist. Nepal aims to strengthen disaster planning to safeguard communities and rebuild resilience.