Koshi Highway Blocked by Dry Landslide in Sankhuwasabha

Sankhuwasabha. A dry landslide in Sirak, Votkhola Rural Municipality-4, Sankhuwasabha, has completely blocked the Khandbari-Kimathanka road section of the Koshi Highway. The road section has been shut down after a large amount of stones, soil, and debris fell from the steep slope above the road on Friday afternoon. The District Police Office stated that the landslide has buried about 15 meters of the road. Passengers and vehicles traveling along this route have been affected by the landslide. The Chief of the District Police Office, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumarprasad Mainali, said that although a police team was mobilized to the scene immediately after receiving information about the landslide, the road could not be cleared as the landslide is still ongoing. He informed that efforts are underway to clear the road in coordination with the local level and concerned bodies. The Khandbari-Kimathanka road section is the main road network connecting the northern part of the district with the headquarters. The blockage of the road has affected the local residents of the Votkhola area, passengers, and cargo vehicles carrying essential goods. Ram Bahadur Gurung, Chief of the North-South Koshi Road Project, said that dry landslides have been increasing in the steep areas around the road recently. He urged travelers to exercise special caution as there is still a risk of weak rocks and stones falling. Preparations are being made to clear the landslide by mobilizing necessary equipment in coordination with the project office, local level, and security agencies.