KATHMANDU, Aug 19: Gokuleshwar-Khalanga section of the road along the Mahakali Highway has been blocked due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall last night. 

The road was blocked due to landslides occurring in Kothpate Naktad, Panabaj, Airichana and Dhamigada of Mallikarjun Rural Municipality.

Following the blockage of the road, the vehicles heading to the district and leaving from the district have been stranded on the road. Similarly, both day and night buses heading to Mahendranagar, Kathmandu and other destinations from Darchula are left stranded on the way.

Due to frequent landslides on this highway, passengers are facing difficulties as even short-distance vehicles are unable to operate on the public roads. 

Rajendra Singh Dhami, supervisor of the Road Department, said that since this morning, an excavator of the Road Division, Baitadi, has been working to clear the debris. As landslides are occurring in other places as well, it will take some time for just one excavator to clear the debris.