Officials have reported that the Prithvi Highway, which connects Kathmandu, has been blocked due to incessant rain that began on Thursday. The road at Krishna Bhir was completely obstructed by flooding of the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli rivers, and this highway was only reopened on Ashoj 1 after repairs. However, local representatives have reported new partial collapses along the route due to recent rains.
Basnet, chairperson of Ward No. 7, Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality in Dhading, stated, “Half of the gabion mesh supporting the new track fell away, and a landslide containing rocks that occurred yesterday evening was cleared by a dozer this morning. However, repair work was halted as the risk increased after the lower part also collapsed. The soil there continues to slide continuously. If the rain persists, the road will deteriorate further, requiring more time to repair. As of this morning, no new landslides have fallen on the new track, but there are new landslides nearby, and the risk will increase if it rains throughout the day.”
The Prithvi Highway is a crucial route for the Kathmandu Valley. Last month’s devastating floods had washed away the road next to the Trishuli River at Krishna Bhir. The highway was reopened only after creating an alternative route, 18 days later.
Government agencies have continuously urged locals to avoid long journeys unless necessary and to exercise extreme caution due to the forecast of heavy rain from Friday through Sunday. Vehicle movement has also been halted at critical points in various high-risk districts.
