Landslides Cut Off Key Mustang Highway in Nepal

Continuous monsoon rains have triggered multiple landslides along the Kagbeni–Korala road section in Nepal’s Mustang district, blocking traffic and damaging vital road infrastructure in at least ten locations, local authorities said on Saturday.

The Kagbeni-Chhusang stretch of the Korala Highway -part of Nepal’s national pride project linking to the Chinese border -has been hit particularly hard.

Floods laden with mud and debris swept through several streams and gullies, leaving large portions of the road severely damaged, according to Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal.

“Efforts are underway to clear the debris using heavy equipment, but it will take time before traffic resumes,” Bhusal told reporters.

He added that the heavy rains have not only destroyed parts of the road but also disrupted communication networks in the area.

Local officials reported that dozens of sections between Kagbeni and Chaile – within the Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality – have been blocked since early Friday after fresh landslides struck overnight.

Ward Chairperson Pramesh Gurung said about 50 meters of the Kagbeni-Tangbe section have been washed away completely, with at least four other points impassable due to floods and landslides.

Similarly, the Tangbe–Chhusang segment has suffered severe structural damage, with floodwaters from Tangbe stream eroding entire road sections.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Chhiring Kippa Lama confirmed that a 35-meter stretch near Chaile road collapsed following a major landslide.

“The retaining wall built to stabilize the road has given way due to continuous rainfall,” Lama said.

On Saturday, a team led by CDO Bhusal and local security personnel conducted a field inspection of the damaged areas.

Three excavators have been deployed to clear the road, while the Kaligandaki Corridor Project -responsible for the Beni–Jomsom–Korala route- has mobilized additional equipment and manpower from nearby districts.

Despite ongoing repair efforts, authorities say the Kagbeni–Chhusang road remains impassable due to extensive damage across multiple sites.

“It will take several days to restore full connectivity,” Ward Chairperson Karma Ghyacho Gurung said, urging travelers to avoid the route.

Earlier this week, the Jomsom–Kagbeni road was also blocked at three points by landslides following Thursday night’s heavy rain.

It was reopened on Saturday morning after local administration teams deployed bulldozers to clear the debris, allowing pilgrims to resume travel to Muktinath.

The district administration office has advised the public to postpone travel toward the Korala section until further notice.