May 28, Khotang – The Diktel–Chakhewa road section in Khotang, part of the Mid-Hill Highway, has been blocked due to a landslide. Last night, a landslide occurred in the Lapse (Pankhu) Khola, connecting Buwasung and Lamidanda in Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-8, completely obstructing the road. According to local teacher Dilipchandra Rai, the landslide came from Dhandakhark of Lamidanda located within the Gopini Naipa Community Forest area on the night of May 27.
The landslide, composed of loose soil and debris, damaged roads, culverts, and various structures in the lower areas. Due to the damage on the road, vehicles traveling between Bhojpur and Kathmandu, as well as those going from Diktel and Banachung towards Bhojpur on the eastern route, have been halted. The Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality has deployed dozers, excavators, and manpower to repair the damaged road.
Landslides have been a recurring issue in this area. On the morning of May 23, a flood in Lapse Khola damaged the road, causing traffic disruption for nine hours. Although there was a plan to construct a permanent bridge over Lapse Khola in 2016 (2073 BS), the project remains incomplete due to delays by the contractor. Without a bridge, passengers, freight vehicles, ambulances, motorcycles, and pedestrians are forced to wait for extended periods during the rainy season.
