Kathmandu. 6 Oct: The Department of Roads has urged travelers to check road conditions before setting out, as landslides and floods continue to cause problems on several routes. In an update issued this evening, the department reported that the eastern section of the East-West Highway remains particularly affected.
More than 700 vehicles have been sent to Kathmandu via the Pushpalal Highway, which has become a crucial alternative after the BP Highway was blocked by floods from the Roshi River and subsequent landslides. Travelers returning to their workplaces after celebrating Dashain in districts such as Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Udayapur, and Solukhumbu are now using this route.
Since Saturday afternoon, vehicles have begun transporting passengers to Kathmandu via Pushpalal Highway. The route was brought into operation to facilitate movement between Ramechhap and Kathmandu after the BP Highway was rendered impassable. Vehicles traveling through this route on Saturday evening were held temporarily in Charikot for safety reasons.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gyan Kumar Mahato, more than 300 vehicles were held in Charikot on Saturday night and allowed to proceed to their destinations on Sunday morning after assessing the situation on the Araniko Highway.
“The BP Highway cannot be reopened immediately, so the Pushpalal Highway is being used,” Mahato said. “Due to the heavy traffic, police have been deployed at risky points like Kirnetar and Kharidhunga to coordinate and ensure the safety of vehicles and passengers.”
Between Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, over 700 small and large vehicles carrying around 10,000 passengers traveled through the Pushpalal Highway to reach Kathmandu. To reduce risk, authorities have banned non-essential vehicles from 5 PM to 5 AM, citing safety concerns.
“Since nighttime travel is dangerous, we’ve decided to close the highway at night,” Mahato said. “The risk still persists, so we have urged drivers and transport operators not to travel during nighttime hours.” Only ambulances and essential vehicles are allowed to use the route at night.
Landslide Death Toll in Ilam Rises to 37
In Ilam District, the death toll from the devastating landslides triggered by continuous rainfall has risen to 37, according to Superintendent of Police Eknarayan Koirala. The latest figure came after the recovery of three more bodies that had been missing since Saturday night.
Among the victims are residents of other districts who had come to Ilam for various purposes. The deceased include 32-year-old Anu Tamang and 3-year-old Awas Danwar from Arjundhara Municipality–6 in Jhapa; 9-year-old Saujan Limbu and 11-year-old Saugat Limbu from Fakthep in Panchthar; and 17-year-old Neha Rai from Miklajung Rural Municipality–6.
Similarly, 45-year-old Deep Basnet, 44-year-old Bhawani Basnet, and 12-year-old Divya Basnet from Dolakha have also lost their lives.
In addition, 48-year-old Mahendra Limbu from Ilam Municipality–6 is still missing, and search operations are ongoing.
“The process of collecting damage reports is continuing,” Koirala said. “We are receiving information from several locations, though road blockages, electricity cuts, and internet outages have made communication difficult. Nevertheless, our teams are actively working.”
Nepal Airlines Begins Rescue Flights
To rescue passengers stranded in Rupandehi and nearby districts due to road blockages caused by floods and landslides, Nepal Airlines has announced a special narrow-body flight on Sunday night at 9 PM, operating the Kathmandu–Bhairahawa–Kathmandu route.
The airline will transport travelers who are stranded at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and unable to reach Kathmandu by road due to the natural disasters.
Monsoon System Weakening, Weather Improving
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the low-pressure weather system responsible for the recent heavy rainfall has moved out of Nepal.
In a statement released this afternoon, the department reported that the monsoon has weakened, bringing signs of gradual improvement in weather conditions.
However, the department has warned that the monsoon has not yet completely withdrawn, urging the public to remain cautious and take precautions against any possible monsoon-related disasters.
