Heavy rainfall blocks highways, disrupts life across eastern Nepal

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov 1:  Life across eastern and parts of central Nepal has been badly affected by continuous heavy rainfall caused by the lingering effect of Cyclone Montha.

The rain has triggered landslides and flooding, completely blocking the Koshi Highway and disrupting daily life in many areas. While eastern and central regions are seeing more intense rainfall, the western parts are experiencing only light and scattered showers. 

The highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded at Haraincha station in Morang district, with 248.8 mm. Similarly, Sanischare station recorded 162 mm, Anarmani Birta 165.8 mm, Bahundangi 150.2 mm, Kankai Mainachuli 147.4 mm, Barmajhiya 161.4 mm, and Kanyam Tea Estate 106.2 mm. All these measurements are classified as very heavy rainfall, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). 

Binod Parajuli, a senior hydrologist at DHM, said that although there has been continuous rainfall, no major landslides or floods have been reported so far, as the rain has been steady rather than extremely heavy.

“The water level in the Mai Khola in Ilam has risen above the danger mark and may affect tributary rivers flowing through Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and Saptari districts, but it is unlikely to cause any serious problems,” he said.

Parajuli added that the current weather system will gradually weaken from Saturday, and clear skies are expected from Monday, which will likely lead to a slight rise in temperature.

Meanwhile, our Dhankuta reporter Kokila Bhandari reported that continuous rainfall has caused a road collapse at Kolbote along the Dharan-Dhankuta-Koshi Highway, forcing to stop the movement of heavy vehicles. 

According to the District Police Office, the road at Sangurigadhi-6 closed due to the incessant rain that began on Thursday.

Around 11 am on Friday morning, a landslide caused part of the Dharan-Dhankuta road to sink, after which only smaller vehicles such as jeeps and microbuses are being allowed to operate one-way.

Similarly, our Phidim correspondent reported that the Tamor Corridor, a vital road linking the Himalayas, hills and Tarai, has been blocked after rising water levels in the Tamor River due to continuous rainfall triggered by the low-pressure system from the cyclone.

The road connecting Dharan in Sunsari to Taplejung via Mulghat in Dhankuta and Panchthar has been affected, especially at Nawa Khola, on the Dhankuta-Panchthar border. 

Panchthar Police Chief DSP Anish Kumar Karn has urged the public to avoid travelling on this route due to the high risk.

Similarly, the Mechi Highway’s Ilam section has been blocked by multiple landslides at Rajdubali and along the Simlagola-Tilkeni alternate route. As a result, vehicles heading towards Jhapa via Taplejung and Panchthar have been stranded. 

Panchthar’s Chief District Officer Arun Pokharel advised travellers not to use the highway until the road condition improves.