Kathmandu: The Mechi Highway remains blocked for traffic due to incessant rain since Thursday. Though efforts are being made to open the blocked road after a landslide occurred in the Ilam-Rajduwali section of the highway in Ilam Municipality-9, it has not been possible due to continuous downpour.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Road Division Office, reported that the landslide has not stopped though efforts have been underway day and night to open the road.
The blockage of the highway has affected travelers from Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, and Jhapa. Vehicles heading from Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung to Jhapa have been halted at Golakharka Bhanjyang, while those traveling from Jhapa to Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung are stopped at Maikhola.
Further impacts include the disruption of travel from Ilam to Jhapa due to damage to the bridge over Maikhola at Belase under the Mechi Corridor (Kechana-Kanchenjunga Road) caused by floods. Additionally, the diversion of Jogmai Khola under the Tilkeni-Simalgolai Road suffered damage from floodwaters on Thursday.