Floods in Rasuwa Cause Severe Damage to Main Highway Connecting Kathmandu

The Director General of the Department of Roads has reported that the recent floods have caused significant erosion on the Prithvi Highway, the main road connecting Kathmandu, particularly in the Munti area. He described this as the most extensive damage to Nepal’s road infrastructure caused by the Rasuwa floods. The erosion began last week in the Krishna Bhairab area following the devastating floods, and additional floodwaters on Sunday morning resulted in further deterioration of the road.

Director General Vijay Jaisi stated that a large section of the road has been washed away in this area, and vehicles have been instructed to use alternative routes. Officials had previously estimated damage amounting to around 2 billion Nepalese rupees, caused by extensive destruction to bridges and roads in Rasuwa and surrounding districts.

According to Director General Jaisi, the floodwaters from Rasuwa caused the Trishuli River’s water levels to rise, starting the erosion along the Munti section of the Krishna Bhairab road. The sediment-laden floodwaters on Sunday morning completely washed away the road. He noted, “Significant portions of the road have been eroded due to floods originating from the Himalayan region. We are facing serious challenges in the Krishna Bhairab area.”

The Department of Roads had earlier issued a statement indicating damage to 19 of its bridges and approximately 40 kilometers of roads stretching from Nuwakot to Syafrubesi and Rasuwa Gadhi.