Rasuwa flood devastates 40km of roads, 41 bridges

Rasuwa district in Nepal faces a severe transportation crisis after a flood from the Bhotekoshi River obliterated around 40 kilometers of roads and 41 bridges. The destruction has effectively severed vital transport links to the region, leaving communities isolated.

The road connecting Betrawati to Syafrubesi and Rasuwagadhi via Mailung has been completely rendered unusable. Additionally, about 10 kilometers of the Galchhi–Trishuli road are closed, and a significant 13-kilometer stretch of the Prithvi Highway is buried under mud and debris. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has declared clearing the Prithvi Highway a top priority.

The government is mobilizing resources, including 20 pieces of heavy equipment, to expedite debris removal and reconstruction efforts. They are also arranging for seven Bailey bridges, each up to 50 meters long, with plans to install them at critical locations. Both the Indian and Chinese governments have pledged to provide additional Bailey bridges as needed.

In the immediate phase, the focus is on reopening the Prithvi Highway and restoring access to Rasuwa. Preparations are underway to install a Bailey bridge at Betravati. Until this route is functional, reaching Syafrubesi from Dhunche will remain impossible, according to ministry officials.