TANSEN, July 9: Continuous rainfall overnight has triggered multiple landslides along the Palpa–Butwal section of the Siddhartha Highway, causing complete road blockage since early Wednesday morning.
District Traffic Police Office Chief Prabin Acharya said landslides occurred at several points from Bartung to the Siddhababa area. Major landslides were reported near Dobhan Siddhababa Temple, Jodhdhara, and areas close to Bartung. Authorities are currently working to clear the debris.
Acharya mentioned that while temporary one-way traffic was allowed by clearing some debris, consistent rainfall has led to repeated landslides, preventing full road operation. “Hundreds of vehicles are stuck. We've tried to let some pass occasionally, but with continuous slides, full operation isn't possible,” he said. The highway is now completely shut again due to fresh landslides.
Desperate search for missing girls as nearly 80 dead in Texas f...
The road closure has brought all north-south traffic to a halt. Vehicles traveling to and from Syangja, Pokhara, Baglung, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, and other areas have been stranded mid-route. This section has a history of frequent blockages, with a landslide in the Dobhan area just a day earlier washing away a motorcycle, killing one and injuring another.
Due to continued landslide risk and falling rocks in several parts of the highway, the District Administration Office (DAO) has urged travelers to remain on high alert—especially in high-risk zones like Siddhababa and Bartung. Travelers have been advised to proceed with caution.
The DAO has also issued a formal notice urging the public to avoid nighttime travel on roads prone to landslides. This includes the Siddhababa–Ramdi section of the Siddhartha Highway, the Tansen–Ridi–Tamghas road, the Rampur–Humin–Aryabhanjyang route, and the Harthok–Chhahra–Tingire road, along with other major feeder and rural roads.
Assistant Chief District Officer Rishiram Subedi cited Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts predicting above-average rainfall this year. Due to increased risk of accidents, a ban on night travel was introduced. He added that landslides and falling rocks are more likely at night, endangering both passengers and vehicles.
Based on decisions from a multi-stakeholder meeting involving the District Security Committee, transport operators, and other concerned agencies, the DAO stated that security forces—particularly local Nepal Police units—can impose travel restrictions at any time depending on weather forecasts and conditions.
The administration confirmed it will remain on standby for monitoring and response and has urged the general public, transport operators, and stakeholders to strictly follow the issued advisories and cooperate in disaster risk reduction efforts.
