Passengers trapped in Roshi River flood rescued at night

Kavrepalanchok, May 5: The security forces rescued passengers trapped in the Roshi River flood along the BP Highway last night.

Five microbuses were trapped after the river flooded all of a sudden, turning the way into an island between Laskot and Ghumaune of Roshi Rural Municipality-7 along the BP Highway. They were evacuated to safety overnight.

Eighty-nine passengers were rescued on time, according to Chief of Kavre Police Office, Komal Shah. A joint team of the Nepal Army, the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force conducted rescue operation with utmost coordination. 

Chief District Officer in Kavre, Gopal Adhikari, was also together in the field to ensure prompt rescue works. 

The vehicles heading to Kathmandu from various Tarai and hilly districts trapped in the flooded Roshi River in the wake of sudden rainfall. Successful rescue of the stranded passengers was possible due to security forces' high alertness and hard work. 

For over two years, the Roshi River has been a menace for the vehicles as the BP Highway on the river bank was damaged by the massive flood. Temporary diversion is created to ensure travel, but permanent solution in 18-km stretch is awaited.  

Following the highway blockage, vehicles heading to the east were stopped at Dhulikhel and Kavrebhanjyang, while those heading to Kathmandu at Mangaltar, Sindhuli, according to District Traffic Office, Banepa.

The Nepal Police and the Traffic Police had repeatedly urged the drivers to avoid the route considering adverse weather, triggering flood at any time along the road. Even the general public is asked to maintain alertness while travelling through this route.

The drivers ignoring suggestion and timely alertness have been taken under control by the District Police Office, Dhulikhel. (RSS)