The post-earthquake reconstruction works in northern Gorkha have been delayed after landslides triggered by recent rainfall blocked the Manasalu foot trail.

As Chhekampar, Lapu, Kerauja, Bihi, Prok, Lho and Sama VDCs remain disconnected, people are struggling to transport daily essentials.

The landslides have damaged many foot trails, said Tasi Dorje Lama of Chhekampar-1. “It has made transporting construction materials very difficult,”

he said, referring to risks facing the villagers along damaged pathways.

Head teacher of Ganga Jamuna Lower Secondary School in Lapu Sangita Khanal said mules cannot carry construction materials. “We had planned to construct a five-room school building. But the construction has

been delayed due to the lack of construction materials,” said Khanal.

Shristi Silwal, a representative of an NGO, said they had been chartering helicopters to ferry construction materials for a health post in Chhekampar due to the obstruction. “This has dramatically shot up the transportation cost,” Silwal said.

Most of the villagers in Kerauja are unable to rebuild their homes due to the difficulties in transporting construction materials, according to Ranabir Gurung, a local.

Bhujunge villagers at risk

KASKI: Sixteen houses  at Bhujunge village in Arghakhanchi are at high risk of landslide. These houses have developed cracks after the land above the settlement started to cave in. The affected families have requested the District Administration Office to relocate them to safe locations. Dambar Nepali, one of the villagers, said continuous rainfall has made their situation worse. Around 150 metre of land had developed fissures after recent rain, he added. Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel said they were preparing to relocate the families.