Recurrent landslides have blocked the Prithvi Highway in Dhading yet again.
According to police, a major landslide at Jawangkhola on the Malekhu-Muglin road section in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-10, has blocked traffic in both directions since 10:15 pm last night.
"A small landslide occurred around 10:15 pm on Monday night," DSP Subash Hamal of the District Police Office, Dhading told Nepalkhabar. "As we almost finished clearing that one, a much bigger one fell in the same place around 11:30 pm. We started clearing it at 2 am, but another large landslide occurred in the same spot at 5 am this morning."
He said that three excavators are currently being used to clear the debris. The landslide site is near the Chitwan border.
"The landslide is massive. It looks like it will take a lot more time to clear," DSP Hamal said. "Vehicles have been stopped on both sides since last night."
On Friday and Saturday, traffic was completely halted for two days when a landslide occurred at Tuin Rivulet in Ichchakamana Rural Municipality, Chitwan. After the debris was cleared, two-way traffic at Tuin Rivulet resumed on Monday afternoon.
The frequent landslides have caused great inconvenience to travelers during the Dashain festival. Police have also advised travelers to travel safely due to the increased risk.
The Muglin-Malekhu Road Project issued a statement this morning, saying that clearing the major landslide at Jawangkhola will take approximately five hours.
"The two-way road has been blocked due to a major landslide near Jawangkhola on the Malekhu-Muglin road section. Since it will take about five hours for traffic to resume, we request that you use an alternative route," the project's notice stated.
Meanwhile, the Road Division Office in Bharatpur has reported that some rocks have also fallen at Tuin Rivulet, which is part of the Muglin-Narayanghat road section.
The office stated that excavators stationed at the site are clearing the fallen rocks to keep traffic moving, but the landslide near Jawangkhola on the Muglin-Nagdhunga road section has blocked the road in both directions.
The Road Division Office in Bharatpur also issued a notice this morning, urging travelers to use alternative roads for a safe journey.
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