Severe flooding and landslides cut off Ramechhap’s transportation links

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has resulted in devastating floods and landslides, completely severing all transportation connections in Ramechhap. According to Chief District Officer Rajuprasad Paudel, the two primary permanent bridges that link Ramechhap to neighboring regions have been swept away by the Sun Koshi River, while one additional bridge has sustained significant damage.

Ramechhap is typically connected to the capital, Kathmandu, and other areas through two main highways. The first route linked Sindhuli Khurkot and Ramechhap Selegat, facilitating easy access for travelers between Ramechhap, Kathmandu, and the Terai region. However, both the Khurkot and Nepal Thok bridges have been swept away by the raging river, leading to a complete disruption of transportation services.

In previous years, the construction of the permanent bridge at Khurkot in 2071 BS significantly improved connectivity for residents of Ramechhap. Most travelers relied on this route via the BP Highway, but with the bridge now destroyed, residents face long-term challenges in accessing other parts of the country.

In addition to the damage to the bridges, landslides have blocked crucial road sections connecting Ramechhap to Dolakha, particularly at Kiranetar and Milti Khola. Chief District Officer Paudel noted that the Araniko Highway connecting to Kathmandu has also faced multiple disruptions, further complicating the situation.

“Efforts are underway to assess and clear blockages on the road connecting Sitkha and Manthali,” said Paudel. “However, even if this route opens, it will not fully restore Ramechhap’s connection with Kathmandu and other regions.”

Various sections of the BP Highway, including the Mulokot-Khurkot and Nepal Thok-Bhakundebesi routes, have experienced severe damage due to the flooding caused by the Sun Koshi and Roshi rivers. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Govindraj Kafle, the Maring Diversion near Khurkot is currently only operational in one direction, indicating the extent of the damage.

Efforts to clear roads blocked by landslides in Kamere of Sun Koshi Rural Municipality are ongoing, but the damage remains significant. “The Roshi River has swept away a 200-meter stretch of the BP Highway at Nepal Thok, and repairs are unlikely to happen in the immediate future,” added Paudel.

Moreover, the flooding of the Tamakoshi River has rendered Manthali Airport inoperable, further isolating the region. Ramechhap Municipality Mayor Lavashree Nyaupane confirmed that initial inspections showed no physical damage to the airport, but operational capacity remains severely hindered due to flooding.

The mayor also reported that most suspension bridges over the Sun Koshi River have been swept away, impacting not only vehicular traffic but pedestrian movement as well. “It has reached a point where it is impossible to travel to and from Ramechhap, not just by transportation, but even on foot,” Nyaupane emphasized.

Authorities are calling for urgent measures to address the humanitarian crisis emerging from this natural disaster. Residents in affected areas are being advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines as officials work to restore access and provide assistance.

As the situation continues to develop, there are growing concerns about the long-term implications for Ramechhap’s connectivity and the well-being of its residents. The community is hopeful for quick government action to mitigate the impact of the flooding and restore vital links to the outside world.