PANCHTHAR: Continuous rainfall since Sunday afternoon triggered floods in the Hewa River, obstructing the Panchthar section of the Mechi Highway.

The flood damaged the temporary diversion built across the river, severely affecting transportation and goods movement.

Similarly, vehicular movement along the Tamor Corridor has come to a complete halt due to flooding in the Nawa River, located at the border of Panchthar and Dhankuta districts, according to District Police Office Panchthar Chief (DSP) Kaushal Kumar Budhathoki.

Both roads have remained blocked since midnight Sunday.

The Hewa River bridge along the Mechi Highway was swept away by floods on Asar 2, 2080 BS. A bailey bridge constructed afterward was washed away on Asoj 12, 2081 BS, while a third, under-construction modular bridge collapsed on Jestha 31. As a result, the highway currently relies solely on a makeshift diversion.

No bridge has been constructed yet over the Nawa River. Heavy and continuous rainfall has been affecting Panchthar and other hill districts since Sunday afternoon.