SALYAN: A landslide triggered by last night’s rainfall has completely obstructed the Rapti Highway.

According to the Salyan District Police Office, the landslide occurred at Chor Khola in Kapurkot Rural Municipality–3, under the Salyan–Dang section of the highway, blocking the road entirely.

District Police Office Salyan’s Chief, DSP Keshar Neupane, informed that efforts are underway to clear the debris with the help of an excavator.

“Since it will take time for the Department of Roads’ machinery to arrive, we have begun clearing the landslide using a JCB machine from the construction company working on the Rapti Highway upgrade. It may take two to three hours to reopen the road,” he stated.

As a result of the blockage, both vehicles and passengers have been stranded on either side of the landslide.

Authorities have advised small vehicles to use alternative motor roads via Kapurkot Lamidanda and Kapurkot Pakhapani Saatbata for travel.