RASUWA, July 10: Heavy rain and landslides have brought vehicular movement at Rasuwagadhi to a standstill. Landslides at Kulung and Tatopani following heavy downpour in the last few days have damaged the Syafru–Rasuwagadhi section of the highway.
According to Hari Prasad Panta, Rasuwa chief district officer, it will take some time to clear the road. "We cannot remove the debris right away. Rains have not stopped," he said.
Roadway to Rasuwagadhi blocked by landslides
Landslides affect major Nepal-China trade routes almost every rainy season. Tatopani and Kulung have always been prone to landslides. During the devastating earthquakes of April 2015, Rasuwagahdi was one of the hardest hit areas.
Panta stated that the land is fragile and roads are easily damaged even during moderate rain. "It is not easy to open up the roads, but we are working on it. We have been coordinating with all parties concerned to resume transportation services," he said.
Panta further stated that the Ramche–Dhunche road section is not much damaged. Vehicles can pass through it, though it's not very smooth, according to Panta.