Landslides Block Karnali Highway, Stranding Hundreds of Passengers

Incessant rainfall has caused severe disruptions on the Karnali Highway, with landslides blocking key sections of the road since Wednesday morning. The highway, which is a vital lifeline for the Karnali region, has been completely obstructed at multiple points, including Smode and Hulma in Kalikot district.

According to Bir Bahadur JT, the Information Officer at the Road Division Office in Jumla, the landslides were triggered by heavy overnight rainfall along the Jumla road section. Efforts are currently underway to clear the debris and restore traffic on the affected sections of the highway.

"The work to reopen the highway is ongoing, and we are trying to bring it back into operation as soon as possible," said the Information Officer. However, landslides have become a frequent occurrence at Dahikhola, Gagnekhola, Esmod, and Hulma, making the road increasingly unreliable, particularly during the monsoon season.

The continuous neglect of road upgrades in these vulnerable areas has caused significant hardship for the people of Karnali, who have been suffering from repeated disruptions. The situation has been particularly dire for hundreds of passengers traveling from Jumla and Mugu to Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu, who have been stranded due to the road closure.

The Karnali Highway is a crucial route for both local residents and the broader region, facilitating not only daily travel but also the movement of goods and services. The repeated blockages underscore the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and maintenance to ensure the safety and connectivity of the region, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.