Heavy Snowfall Blocks Mid-Hill Highway in Rukum East, Stranding Hundreds

Rukum East. The Mid-Hill Highway has been obstructed due to heavy snowfall in Rukum East. The Lukum-Patihalna section, located in Bhume Rural Municipality-1 of Rukum East, has been blocked due to continuous snowfall since last night.

Dozens of vehicles and passengers have been stranded due to the obstruction of the highway, according to the District Police Office, Rukum East. Deputy Superintendent of Police Keshavraj Gyawali of the District Police Office, Rukum East, informed that night buses departing from Kathmandu are currently stuck in that section. According to him, 7 buses, one jeep, and 5 motorcycles are stuck in the Lukum-Patihalna area, and more than 250 passengers are stranded.

Continuous rain and snowfall are still posing challenges to road operations. The situation is further complicated as phone services are also disrupted in this area. However, DSP Gyawali stated that coordination is underway with the local levels for the rescue of the stranded passengers.