Road transport in various parts of Gandaki and Karnali provinces has been significantly affected by recent floods and landslides, according to Nepal Police. Several major highways are experiencing disruptions, with some sections completely blocked and others operating one-way.
Current Road Status
In Gandaki Province, the Beni-Jomsom road section in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2, Myagdi, is operating one-way due to a landslide in Baisari. In Gorkha, roads in Arughat Rural Municipality-2, 3, and 4, as well as the Nayapul area, are obstructed by floods. The road connecting Arughat to Dharchhe is completely blocked after a steel bridge in Sotigaun was swept away. Additionally, in Arughat Rural Municipality-1, Nayapul, Gorkha, only small vehicles can pass due to flood impacts.
In Karnali Province, the Karnali Highway in Barahatal Rural Municipality-5, Surkhet, is operating one-way following a landslide in Oilise.
Ongoing Efforts and Other Affected Roads
Nepal Police spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire, stated that out of 10 roads obstructed by heavy rainfall over the past two days, seven have been reopened for traffic, while three locations remain completely blocked. Efforts are underway to clear the remaining obstructed roads.
Other affected routes include:
- The road in Binayi Khola, Nawalparasi Bardaghat Susta East, remains closed after a diversion was swept away.
- The Ghorahi-Rukum Shahidmarg is obstructed by a landslide in Jangdanda, Triveni Rural Municipality-7, Rolpa.
- The Siddhartha Highway is closed due to a landslide in Surungmarg, Tinau Rural Municipality-3, Palpa.
- Main highways in Rasuwa have been completely closed since Ashoj 10 (BS) due to floods and will remain closed until further notice, according to an October 4, 2026 report.
- The Besisahar-Khansar road section in Manang has been operating one-way since a flood on Ashoj 18 (BS), as per an October 4, 2026 report.
- The Beni-Jomsom road section in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2, Baisari, and Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, Sukebagar, Myagdi, is completely blocked by landslides, according to an October 4, 2026 report.
- The Kaligandaki Corridor, affected by a landslide in Ghumauni Ghat, Bulingtar Rural Municipality-6, Eastern Nawalparasi, has been operating one-way since 11:30 AM on Ashoj 10 (BS), as per an October 4, 2026 report.
- In Janti Pahiro, Baudikali Rural Municipality-3, the Kaligandaki Corridor has been operating one-way since 4:45 PM on Ashoj 14 (BS) due to a landslide, but large vehicles cannot pass, according to an October 4, 2026 report.
- Five roads in Koshi and Bagmati provinces were completely blocked, according to a Nepal Police report from 7 AM on Ashoj 17 (BS).
- The road in Barun, Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-4, Sankhuwasabha, was obstructed by continuous rainfall, according to a Nepal Police report from 7 AM on Ashoj 17 (BS).
Background on Nepal’s Monsoon Challenges
Floods and landslides are common annual occurrences in Nepal during the monsoon season, posing significant natural disaster risks. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), these are among Nepal’s primary natural hazards. Human activities such as unplanned road construction, deforestation, encroachment on natural river flows, and settlement expansion in high-risk areas are believed to exacerbate the risk of floods and landslides. Additionally, the ground loosened by earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks increases the likelihood of landslides even with minor rainfall.
Travel Advisory
Nepal Police have urged the public traveling through the affected road sections to exercise necessary caution.
