Kathmandu: Persistent rain caused the Bagmati River to overflow in Nepal’s capital and triggered landslides that blocked major highways over the weekend, disrupting travel and leaving vehicles stranded.
Floodwater breached parts of the riverbank and submerged roads along the Bagmati corridor following more than 36 hours of rainfall. Authorities placed riverside and other low lying communities on alert amid the risk of further flooding.
Landslides obstructed the Prithvi Highway at 11 points along the Malekhu to Muglin section on Sunday. The road is a principal connection between Kathmandu and western Nepal, including the tourist city of Pokhara.
The BP Highway was completely blocked at Charsayabesi and Gimdibesi in Kavre, while landslides halted traffic on the Kanti Lokpath at Takurchhe and Pangdurdol in Lalitpur.
The Narayangadh to Muglin road reopened on Sunday after workers cleared debris, although authorities warned that continuing rain could cause further disruption.
Nepal’s disaster management authority said floods, landslides and heavy rainfall had killed at least 12 people since September 24. Seven others remained missing in Palpa, Baglung and Myagdi districts as of Sunday.
The blocked roads are major passenger and supply corridors for the Kathmandu Valley. Disruptions on the Prithvi and BP highways have restricted the movement of agricultural produce and contributed to rising vegetable prices in the capital.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel through landslide prone areas and check official road conditions before beginning long journeys.
