Floodwaters from overnight rain swept away a temporary diversion over the Binayi River in Dumkibas, Nawalparasi East, blocking a section of the East-West Highway and causing major traffic disruption, police said on Tuesday.

Passenger and small vehicles were diverted from Hongshi Gate through Sardi, using a 25-kilometre alternative route, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhu Nepal.

Heavy trucks transporting goods were stopped at Dumkibas and Arun Khola due to the disruption, he added.

The road section at Daunne became slippery after continuous rain, preventing vehicles from climbing the slope and resulting in a long traffic jam.

The diversion was originally built about five months ago after a truck collapsed the iron bridge over the river. Since then, vehicles have been using the makeshift route slightly north of the main highway.