Floods and Landslides Damage Five Suspension Bridges in Nawalpur District

Heavy rainfall from September 25 to 27 triggered floods and landslides that damaged houses, roads, bridges, drinking water projects, electricity infrastructure, agricultural land and livestock in Nawalpur district.

According to the District Disaster Management Committee, the disaster damaged several suspension bridges, concrete bridges, culverts and roads at different locations in the district.

Chief District Officer and committee chairperson Shiva Lal Tiwari said the committee had recommended that the concerned authorities immediately initiate reconstruction and maintenance work on the damaged infrastructure.

Five suspension bridges were completely destroyed by the disaster. These include bridges connecting Ghiring Rural Municipality with Rampur Municipality in Palpa; Atrauli in Ghiring-1 with Kasiban; Mandar in Baudikali Rural Municipality-2 with Kharsangghat; Karuwatar with Maitighat-Machedi; and Devghat Rural Municipality-2 with Bulingtar Rural Municipality-1 in Nawalpur.

The destruction of the bridges has created difficulties for local residents and students who depend on them to cross rivers and access essential services. Three other suspension bridges also sustained partial damage due to the floods.

The disaster partially damaged the motorable bridge connecting Kaligandaki Mandar and Kharsangghat. Two culverts were also damaged, prompting recommendations to the concerned authorities for their reconstruction.

Tiwari stressed the need to prioritise the reconstruction and maintenance of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure to restore connectivity and minimise difficulties for affected communities.