Kathmandu: Vehicles operating long-distance services that left the Kathmandu Valley this morning have begun returning due to heavy rainfall affecting various parts of the country.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police informed service operators about landslides that had occurred at several points along major highways. This prompted many operators to cancel their trips and turn back toward the Valley. Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that landslides along the BP Highway, Araniko Highway, and Prithvi Highway forced vehicles to return midway through their journeys.
‘Landslides have forced vehicles that had already departed from the Valley to return to Kathmandu,’ said Naresh Raj Subedi. ‘At present, all major routes in and out of the Valley are essentially closed. Vehicles are being stationed at safe points, as road travel under current conditions poses serious risks. These precautions are necessary to prevent potential loss of life and property.’
The Department of Roads has also restricted vehicle access to the BP Highway starting from 10 a.m. today. Meanwhile, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted continued heavy rainfall till October 6 and has urged the public to stay alert and take necessary safety measures.