Daily Khabar

 Kathmandu, September 2 Police have arrested 38-year-old Shyam Krishna Bhandari from Sindhupalchok, accused of running one of the biggest kidney trafficking rackets involving Nepali citizens. He was caught in India with the help of Delhi Police and brought back to Kathmandu on Saturday. According to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau, Bhandari is the main planner behind sending Nepalis to India and getting their kidneys removed. SSP Krishna Pangeni said he is the most significant operator arrested so far in cross-border kidney trafficking cases. Police say Bhandari has been active in the illegal trade for about five years. He had first gone to India to sell his own kidney but could not do so because of a medical mismatch. Instead, he started arranging kidney transplants for others and built a network. After a week-long investigation in Delhi, police arrested Bhandari and his associate Sujan Bharti (29), also from Sindhupalchok, and brought them to Nepal. Investigators belie...

 Phungling (Taplejung), Sept 2: The number of mountain climbers in Nepal has been steadily rising. According to the Department of Tourism, mountaineering expeditions generated Rs 638 million in revenue during this year’s spring climbing season (March 1–April 21). This season, 41 climbers—26 men and 15 women—successfully scaled Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the world’s third-highest peak located in Taplejung, contributing Rs 10.97 million in royalty. Similarly, 66 climbers reached the summit of Mt. Makalu in Sankhuwasabha, generating Rs 16.26 million in revenue. The world’s tallest mountain, Sagarmatha (Everest), drew the largest number of climbers—374 in total (302 men and 72 women)—bringing in Rs 554 million. Overall, 869 climbers (678 men and 191 women, both Nepalis and foreigners) scaled 23 different peaks during the spring season, with the government collecting Rs 638 million in total revenue.

 This year’s summer monsoon has once again brought frequent landslides, floods, and debris flows across Nepal — a pattern also seen across South Asia. Landslides are a natural process where soil, rock, and earth slide downhill, but in Nepal, they are becoming deadlier due to heavy rains, fragile geology, rising temperatures, and human activities such as road construction and deforestation. According to Nepal’s Disaster Risk Reduction Portal (2011–Aug 2025), 4,629 landslides have been recorded, causing nearly 1,906 deaths, 1,591 injuries, and over Rs 20.66 billion in damages. The frequency has risen sharply — from less than 1 landslide per 1,000 km² in 2011 to almost 7 in 2024. Recent examples highlight the scale of the problem: Prithvi Highway (Dhading, Aug 8, 2025): Multiple landslides blocked traffic for hours. Rapti Highway (Salyan, Aug 4): Closed due to landslides in Chorkhola. Karnali Highway (Kalikot): Repeated blockages. Araniko Highway (Sindhupalchok, Aug 7): Blocked at Ikh...

 Kathmandu, Sept 1: Nepal welcomed 88,680 international tourists in August 2025, marking a 22% rise compared to the same month last year, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). India remained the top source, with 35,505 visitors — about 40% of the total. Other key markets included China (7,533), the United States (6,068), Sri Lanka (5,956), and Bangladesh (4,262). From January to August 2025, Nepal received 736,562 tourists. By region, South Asia (SAARC) accounted for 53% of arrivals, followed by other Asian countries (17.8%), Europe (12.6%), North America (8.2%), Oceania (2.7%), the Middle East (1.1%), Africa (0.4%), and others (4.1%). In July 2025, tourist arrivals stood at 70,193. NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi said the growth shows the tourism sector is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that new Air India Express flights have helped boost arrivals from India.

 Seoul, Sept 2: About 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to support Russia in the war in Ukraine are estimated to have been killed, South Korea’s spy agency said Tuesday, according to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) had previously reported in April that at least 600 soldiers had died. Based on updated assessments, the agency now estimates the number of casualties at around 2,000. South Korean and Western intelligence sources say North Korea sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia in 2024, mostly to the Kursk region, along with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. Lawmaker Lee added that North Korea plans to deploy another 6,000 soldiers and engineers to Russia, with 1,000 already arrived. Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said North Korea would send builders and deminers to the Kursk region. North Korea confirmed its troop deployment in April and acknowledged that soldiers had been killed in combat. Since...

 Kathmandu, Sept 2: Gold prices have reached an all-time high in Nepal following a rise in the international market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of one tola (11.66 grams) of gold has climbed to Rs 205,900 today, up from Rs 205,300 on Monday. Silver prices have also increased slightly, with one tola trading at Rs 2,485, up Rs 15 from the previous day. Former Federation president Manik Ratna Shakya said the rise in gold prices is driven by global political and economic uncertainties, not by demand in Nepal. Internationally, gold is currently trading at USD 3,494 per ounce (31.1 grams).

 Kathmandu, Sept 2: Continuous rainfall has caused floods and landslides, bringing traffic to a halt at 13 different locations across the country. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, major roads affected include the Koshi Highway, Pasang Lhamu Highway, Galchhi–Trishuli–Mailung Road, Dhorpatan–Saljhandi Road, Beni–Darbang Road, Bheri Corridor, Chhedagad Road, and Jajarkot–Dolpa Road. Security personnel are working to clear the roads, and one-way traffic has already resumed at eight sections in various areas.

 Khartoum – Sudan’s National Museum in Khartoum lies in ruins after being looted during the country’s war between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. A black granite statue of Kush Pharaoh Taharqa now stands alone among shattered glass and broken stone, as thousands of priceless artefacts have vanished. Officials believe some items were smuggled into Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan, but most remain missing. Only large, heavy objects that could not be moved were left behind. At its peak, the museum housed over 500,000 items spanning 7,000 years of Sudanese history, including the famed Gold Room with solid-gold royal jewellery and ceremonial objects, now entirely stolen. The bulk of the missing artefacts come from the ancient Kingdom of Kush, a Nubian civilization that once rivaled Egypt in wealth and influence. Many smaller Kushite statues, prized on the black market, remain untraced. UNESCO has issued a global alert, warning museums and colle...

  Kathmandu, Sept 2: An earthquake struck Gorkha district at 6:15 am today. The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre stated that the epicentre of the earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale was at Hansapur of Ajirkot Rural Municipality-3 in the district of Gorkha. Earlier on August 17, an earthquake of 4 on the Richter scale had occurred with its epicenter in Helamcho area of Ramechhap district. Nepal has witnessed minor jolts quite often in recent years. The Himalayan region of the country is also considered a seismically active zone.

 Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou has overtaken Tokyo-Yokohama to become the world’s leading innovation cluster, according to the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 2025 Global Innovation Index. The shift comes after WIPO updated its ranking method to include venture capital investments, in addition to patents and scientific publications. Venture capital reflects how research turns into startups, new products, and services. San Jose–San Francisco moved to third place, surpassing Beijing, Seoul, and Shanghai-Suzhou. London jumped from 21st to 8th, and Bengaluru rose from 56th to 21st, largely due to venture capital activity. WIPO highlighted that top innovation clusters, which combine universities, researchers, inventors, venture capitalists, and R&D firms, are key to turning scientific research into economic results. China leads with the most clusters in the top 100 (24), followed by the United States (22). Innovation intensity relative to population is highest in...

 Kathmandu, Sept 1 – A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 6 struck Afghanistan late at night, killing 622 people and injuring more than 1,500. The quake caused severe damage in Kunar province, where 610 people died, while 12 deaths were reported in Nangarhar. Authorities warn the toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue. The epicenter was 27 kilometers from Jalalabad at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were felt as far away as Islamabad, Pakistan, nearly 400 kilometers from the epicenter.

Kathmandu, Sept 1 – Gold prices in Nepal continue to climb, setting new records almost daily after crossing Rs 200,000 per tola. On Friday, gold was traded at Rs 200,600 per tola, which rose to Rs 203,600 by Sunday. Today (Monday), it increased by another Rs 2,000, reaching Rs 205,300 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Silver prices have also reached a new high. After trading at Rs 2,425 per tola on Sunday, silver rose to Rs 2,470 today. Federation’s First Vice President Dharmasundar Bajracharya said the rise in global prices has directly influenced the Nepali market.

 Kathmandu, Aug 2 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has proposed starting direct flights between Nepal and Russia during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin on Monday evening. According to a government official from the delegation, Oli also suggested expanding bilateral relations and increasing scholarships for Nepali students in Russia. The two leaders spoke one-on-one for about 25 minutes, followed by a 45-minute discussion with the Nepali delegation. Prime Minister Oli is currently in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

 Kathmandu, Sept 1 – CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has instructed party members to focus on connecting with the people and correcting past weaknesses to build a stronger organization. Speaking virtually at the Sudurpaschim Province Committee Secretariat meeting, Prachanda said the party has recently regained some public trust, but lasting success will only come through strong organizational work. He called on leaders and cadres to visit villages, form committees, and conduct party training programs. He added that people’s support is growing due to the party’s achievements while leading the government, but systematic planning is needed to mobilize effectively in Sudurpaschim Province. During the meeting, Deputy General Secretary and Sudurpaschim Province in-charge Giriraj Mani Pokharel presented an action plan for the party’s organizational expansion and future strategy in the province.

Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible in Kathmandu on September 7 A total lunar eclipse will be seen from Kathmandu on Sunday, September 7, the full moon day of Bhadra. According to the Nepal Calendar Fixing Committee, the eclipse will start at 10:11 pm on September 7 and end at 1:04 am on September 8, lasting about three and a half hours. This will be the first lunar eclipse of 2082 BS in Nepal. Lunar eclipses always occur on full moon nights.

Kathmandu, September 1 – LS Capital Limited has successfully closed its first private equity fund, the Laxmi Sustainable Energy Fund (LSEF), with a total size of Rs 1 billion. Sponsored by Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited and managed by LS Capital, the fund marks a major step forward for sustainable investment in Nepal, the company said in a press release. The fund manager emphasized its commitment to diligence, transparency, and professionalism in investment management. LS Capital has also signed the Operating Principles for Impact Management, highlighting its dedication to responsible and sustainable investing.

 Kathmandu, September 1 – The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast generally cloudy weather across Nepal today, with rainfall expected in several areas. In Kathmandu Valley, clouds and rain are expected this afternoon, with maximum temperatures between 27–29°C and a 60% chance of rain. Tonight, the valley will remain cloudy with rain, and minimum temperatures are expected to range from 20–22°C, with a similar 60% chance of rainfall. Across the country, moderate rain is likely in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim Provinces, and in some hilly and Terai regions. The DHM has also warned of the possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Bagmati and Sudurpashchim. Tonight, cloudy conditions will continue nationwide, with moderate rain expected in parts of Sudurpashchim Province, some hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces, and isolated spots in the Terai. According to the DHM, the monsoon trough is currently south of its usua...

 Tianjin, September 1 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is in Tianjin, China, to attend the SCO Summit 2025, held a bilateral meeting with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith this morning on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by former Deputy Prime Minister and lawmaker Purna Bahadur Khadka, Education Minister Raghuji Panta, Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, lawmaker Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and other officials. Later today, PM Oli and other participating leaders are scheduled to address the SCO Summit at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Centre.

 Kathmandu, September 1 – The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau has arrested two people in connection with a human trafficking network that lured victims from various districts to New Delhi, India, where their kidneys were illegally removed and sold. The suspects are Shyam Krishna Bhandari (38) from Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-7, Sindhupalchok, and Sujan Bharti (29) from Indrawati Rural Municipality-2, Sindhupalchok. Bhandari, who had been hiding in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, was caught at the Gadda Chauki border in Kanchanpur while trying to re-enter Nepal. Bharti was arrested at the Birgunj border in Parsa. The arrests follow media reports revealing that traffickers were deceiving vulnerable people with false job offers and taking them to New Delhi for illegal organ extraction. In the current fiscal year, the Bureau has registered four organ trafficking cases, with five victims already providing testimony. Investigations continue under charges of organized human trafficking an...

Tianjin, September 1 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met with Cambodian Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing overall cooperation between Nepal and Cambodia. They also talked about exchanging high-level visits to deepen ties, according to PM Oli’s Secretariat. The meeting was attended by former Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Education Minister Raghuji Pant, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, PM Oli’s advisor Dr. Yubraj Khatiwada, lawmaker Chhabi Lal Bishwokarma, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and other officials.

 A few months ago, Luna Luitel returned from Australia with the dream of becoming Miss Nepal. On August 30, that dream came true when she was crowned Miss Nepal World 2025 at the Sunrise Convention Center in Godavari. Along with her, winners for Miss Nepal Earth, Miss Nepal International, and Miss Nepal Cosmo were also announced. This year marked a milestone, as for the first time, all four Miss Nepal winners came from Gen-Z. Luna, 26, describes herself as tech-savvy, independent, and determined to create her own path. In her first interview after winning, Luna said the victory still feels surreal. “When my name was announced, I felt like I was living in a dream. Even now, it’s hard to believe,” she shared. She added that while the crown has brought new responsibilities, she remains the same person as before. Raised in a spiritual family and a devotee of Lord Krishna, Luna says she lives by the teaching: “Do your duty without attachment to the results.” To her, the Miss Nepal crown...

Kathmandu, September 1 – Continuous rainfall since Sunday night has flooded parts of Kanchanpur district, submerging at least 45 houses, police said. Floodwaters from the Jogbudha River inundated 25 houses in Rampure and Jarga (Dodhara Chandani-8), 15 houses in Patarakhalla (Dodhara Chandani-3), and five houses in Bhujela (Bhimdatta-11). At least 70 people have been displaced and are taking shelter in nearby schools. Meanwhile, the Mahakali River’s water level has risen sharply to 140,250 cusecs, leading Indian authorities to restrict the movement of smaller vehicles across the Sharada Barrage.

Kabul, September 1 – More than 800 people have died and at least 2,500 others were injured after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, according to Taliban government officials. Most of the casualties were reported in Kunar province. The 6.0-magnitude quake hit at 11:47 p.m., centered about 27 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake was shallow, just 8 kilometers deep, which made the damage worse. Several aftershocks followed. Videos from the area showed rescuers pulling survivors from collapsed homes, carrying the injured on stretchers, and using helicopters to evacuate victims, while residents dug through rubble with their bare hands. Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Matin Qani said 610 people were killed and 1,300 injured in Kunar, while Nangarhar reported at least 12 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Thousands of homes, many made of mud bricks and poorly built, were destroyed. A resident f...

  Birgunj (Parsa), Sept 1 – Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reaffirmed that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulek are integral parts of Nepal’s territory, stressing that neighboring countries should not be upset when Nepal asserts its rightful claim. Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Parsa chapter , Minister Lekhak said Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had raised concerns about the India–China agreement to develop Lipulek as a bilateral trade route. “These areas are Nepal’s land, and no country should take issue with us for asserting ownership over what is rightfully ours,” he said, adding that Nepal is clear and firm about its stance. He further noted that during his recent visit to China, the Prime Minister strongly objected to the India–China deal. “No part of Nepali territory will ever be allowed to be used against our national interest,” he added.

Aries: Pay attention to minor health issues, eat well, and stay disciplined. Focus on your health, work, and daily routine. This is a good time to finish pending tasks and take care of legal or loan matters. Avoid office politics, let your work speak, and help others when possible. September is ideal for simplifying life, working hard, and building steady progress. Taurus: This month brings happiness if you act with sincerity and care. New ideas may emerge, especially for students, teachers, and artists. Love feels light and open—nurture it honestly. Younger family members bring joy. It’s a good time to start hobbies or passion projects. Stay grounded and let your natural charm shine. Gemini: Listen to family elders and keep your interactions calm. Focus on home and emotional balance. Spending time at home or revisiting familiar places can reduce stress. Property matters like repairs, purchases, or upgrades may arise. Cancer: Your confidence is rising, making it a good time to s...

Kaski, September 1 – The fourth Top of the World Golf Classic will be held in Lo-manthang, Mustang , on September 13–14 . The tournament is known as one of the world’s most prestigious high-altitude golf competitions . The Mustang Golf Course , organizer of the event, held a press conference in Pokhara on Sunday to announce the tournament. The competition will take place at the Lowathang Golf Course in Lo-manthang, located at 4,700 metres above sea level . According to Managing Director Indra Dhara Bista , more than 60 golfers from Nepal and abroad will take part. This year’s tournament carries the theme “Tee for Climate” , aiming to raise awareness about the climate crisis in Mustang .

 Jhapa, September 1 – Agricultural products worth Rs 1.32 billion were exported through the Kakarbhitta Customs Point in the first month of the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, Kakarbhitta, reported that major exports included black cardamom, tea, plywood, ginger, broom grass, and other products. According to Information Officer Santosh Thapa, tea brought in the highest earnings at Rs 380 million, followed by black cardamom at Rs 324 million. Exports of plywood and veneer amounted to Rs 268 million. During the same period, agricultural imports through Kakarbhitta totaled Rs 1.69 billion, including millet, beans, legumes, rice, fresh vegetables, fruits, garlic, potatoes, maize, and livestock feed.

  Kathmandu, August 31 – The government has made embossed number plates mandatory for vehicles, and the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) says installation is now available at nine transport offices across the country. In Bagmati Province , embossed plates can be installed at: Transport Management Office, Ekantakuna, Lalitpur Transport Service Office, Hetauda, Makwanpur Transport Management Office, Gurjudhara Vehicle Testing Office, Teku In Gandaki Province , the service is available at the Transport Management Office in Kaski, Pokhara. In Lumbini Province , it is available at offices in Rupandehi-Butwal, Dang-Tulsipur, and Banke-Nepalgunj. In Karnali Province , installation has started at the Transport Management Office in Surkhet. From September 17 , installation will expand to seven more offices: Sudurpaschim Province : Dhangadhi and Kanchanpur Madhesh Province : Lahan, Siraha Bagmati Province : Chitwan Koshi Province : Sunsari-Itahari and...

 The old saying, “You are what you eat,” holds more truth than we often realize. Every bite is more than just fuel—it sends information to our body, guiding how our cells function, repair, and grow. The food we eat literally becomes a part of us. Carbohydrates break down into glucose to provide energy, proteins turn into amino acids to build and repair muscles, tissues, and hormones, and fats become essential fatty acids that support brain function, hormones, and cell structure. Even small amounts of vitamins and minerals play vital roles, from bone health to oxygen transport. Food isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it shapes our health, mind, and future. A diet rich in fresh, whole, nutrient-dense foods can strengthen immunity, prevent disease, and support emotional balance. Poor dietary choices, on the other hand, stress the body, trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and create long-term health problems. Think of your body as a living ecosystem—just as soil quality affects pl...

Kathmandu, Sept 1: Private school operators held a school bus rally on the Kathmandu Ring Road to protest certain provisions in the School Education Bill. The operators are opposing rules that require schools to offer full scholarships and gradually operate on a non-profit basis. They have been pushing for amendments to the bill, which was passed by the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee. The rally was jointly organized by PABSON, National PABSON, HISSAN, APEN, and NMA. Yellow school buses lined up along one lane of the Ring Road, causing traffic disruptions in some areas.

 Kathmandu, Aug 31: Gold prices have hit a record high in the domestic market today. The price of gold rose by Rs 3,000 per tola (11.66 grams), reaching Rs 203,600, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association. Silver is being sold at Rs 2,425 per tola on Sunday.

 Israel is preparing for a major new offensive in Gaza City, where famine and devastation have worsened the humanitarian crisis. Nearly two years after Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, the conflict shows no sign of ending, despite calls for a ceasefire from Palestinians, many Israelis, and the international community. Critics accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain, while he blames Hamas, which still holds around 20 hostages. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the war to end and the hostages to be released. However, his envoy recently walked away from ceasefire talks, and the U.S. has not publicly pressured Israel to stop operations since March, when a ceasefire he helped negotiate collapsed. Hamas has indicated it would accept a ceasefire in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and an Israeli withdrawal, but Israel and the U.S. have yet to respond. Why the war continues: Netanyahu’s position: Mass ...

 Jhapa, Sept 1: Agricultural products worth Rs 1.32 billion were exported through the Kakarbhitta Customs Point in the first month of the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre in Kakarbhitta reported that major exports included black cardamom, tea, plywood, ginger, and broom grass. Santosh Thapa, the centre’s information officer, said tea brought in the highest revenue, with exports worth Rs 380 million, followed by black cardamom at Rs 324 million and plywood and veneer at Rs 268 million. During the same period, the customs point also imported agricultural goods worth Rs 1.69 billion, including millet, beans, legumes, rice, fresh vegetables, fruits, garlic, potatoes, maize, and livestock feed.

 Sexual harassment is the biggest concern for Rohingya women and girls living in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, according to a new study released on Sunday. The district now shelters about a million Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state after a violent military crackdown. ActionAid, a major nonprofit working in the camps since 2017, carried out 66 in-depth interviews highlighting the severe challenges women and adolescents face. “Sexual harassment is the biggest issue,” said Tamazer Ahmed, ActionAid’s policy, research, and advocacy manager. The study found that early marriage and polygamy are widespread, and 93% of women surveyed had no access to legal support. Many reported abuse not only from people they knew but also from members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN), a government security force deployed in the camps. Girls aged 6 to 15 were found to be most vulnerable, especially near toilets, bathing areas, schools, hospitals, distribution centers,...

 Baglung, Sept 1: Heavy flooding in Nisikhola Rural Municipality-4 has completely blocked the Burtibang–Rukum East section of the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway. The flood, triggered by continuous rainfall on Sunday night, came from the Kalapaira stream, said ward chair Tikanidhi Paudel. As a result, vehicles traveling from Rukum East to Kathmandu and Pokhara are stranded at Kalapaira, while those heading to Rukum East and Rolpa are stuck at Kanabagar. Authorities and highway officials are working to clear the road, but landslides, fallen trees, and recurring rain are making the task difficult. “We’ve never seen a flood this big before,” Paudel said, adding that traffic is at a complete standstill and it will take time to fully reopen the road. All rural roads in Nisikhola have also been blocked by rain-induced landslides.