The recent heavy rainfall from Thursday night to Saturday wreaked havoc across Kathmandu and other regions of Nepal, triggering widespread landslides and flooding.
Thousands of travelers and essential goods have been left stranded as roads to the capital remain blocked, severely damaging transport routes.Amidst this crisis, the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel has proven to be a crucial lifeline.
A significant landslide near the Jhyaple River on the Tribhuvan Highway halted traffic, underscoring the importance of the tunnel for maintaining critical transportation and logistics operations.Since Saturday, the Nagdhunga Tunnel has allowed buses, ambulances, and supply vehicles to pass through.
Chandragiri Municipality provided buses to rescue stranded passengers, while humanitarian access was prioritized due to road closures. With strict security measures in place, the tunnel facilitated the safe passage of over 2,000 individuals.
Local police and construction technicians played an essential role in ensuring safety during transit.Since its breakthrough in April 2024, the tunnel has been instrumental in providing emergency access, particularly for ambulances, during such blockades.
The devastating floods and landslides have claimed more than 170 lives across the country, with many still missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal Office, which is involved in the tunnel's construction, expressed its heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, hoping for swift and effective recovery efforts to mitigate the disaster's impact.
The Nagdhunga Tunnel stands as a beacon of hope in these trying times, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development in disaster management and response.
