Flood sweeps away bridge in Sindhupalchok

By Chitra Kumar Mijar

Sindhupalchok, Sept. 3: A devastating flood in the Syale River has swept away a concrete bridge connecting wards 3, 4, and 5 of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt for the past three days.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall on July 1, washed away the bridge that was constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.5 million. As a result, transportation to Yamunadanda and Sunkhani has been cut off, ward member Raju Khadka said, adding that locals now have no option but to travel on foot using alternative routes.

The bridge was previously constructed using four hume pipes, which were later replaced by the concrete structure. However, the retaining wall built just three months ago near the bridge was also swept away by the floodwaters.

According to Khadka, the wall had been constructed between July 18 and July 24 for Rs. 1 million from the Infrastructure Development Office for road upgrading. The wall, however, could not withstand even three months of monsoon rains.