Kavrepalanchok: Incessant rainfall on Monday night triggered a flood in the Roshi River, washing away a diversion at Mapti on the BP Highway and blocking the crucial roadway. According to the District Police Office, efforts to clear the highway have been ongoing since last night, but heavy damage to the road near Mangaltar in Roshi Rural Municipality-12 has delayed progress.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Min Bahadur Ghale, the office's information officer, reported that the highway remains blocked. However, efforts are underway to restore at least one-way traffic using local resources and police assistance.

The affected section had a temporary diversion built last year after the original road was damaged by floods during the monsoon in the month of Asoj. On Monday, floodwaters once again overwhelmed this diversion. Police confirmed they have rescued 17 passengers who were stranded due to the highway disruption.

Meanwhile, search efforts are ongoing for Renuka Giri, 33, who went missing after being swept away by the Dhalamle River at Subbagaun in Panauti Municipality-5 around 6:00 PM on Monday. Giri, a local resident, was returning from a fair when the sudden flood carried her away.

Search operations involving the Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and Armed Police Force resumed early Tuesday after efforts on Monday night were called off due to darkness and strong currents. The flood also caused minor inundation around the Panauti Bus Park and damaged agricultural fields, particularly those planted with potatoes.

Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert as weather conditions remain unstable.