The Karnali Highway has been completely blocked due to incessant rainfall and subsequent landslides in the Esmod and Hulm areas of Kalikot district. The road closure occurred on Wednesday morning, affecting the Surkhet-Jumla road section.
The Road Division Office Jumla’s Information Officer, Bir Bahadur GT, confirmed that efforts are underway to clear the debris and reopen the highway. Landslides are a recurring problem in the Dahikhola, Gaganekhola, Esmod, and Hulm regions during the monsoon season.
The frequent road closures have caused significant inconvenience to passengers traveling between Jumla, Mugu, Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu. Hundreds of people have been stranded due to the lack of timely road maintenance and upgrades in landslide-prone areas.
Despite the recurring issues, concerns about road safety and infrastructure in the region remain unaddressed. Local residents and travelers alike are calling for urgent action to improve the condition of the Karnali Highway and prevent future disruptions to transportation.