A diversion built at Hewakhola along the Mechi Highway has been damaged by floodwaters, disrupting the movement of heavy vehicles, officials said.

The flood, triggered by Wednesday evening’s rain, damaged four hume pipes that had been installed to maintain traffic between Hilihang and Phidim in Panchthar. Some pipes were clogged with mud and debris brought by the swollen stream.

While small vehicles have continued to pass through, trucks and other large vehicles have been unable to use the road.

According to Dammar Mishra, an official at the Ilam Road Division, an excavator has been deployed to remove logs and stones and repair the dislodged pipes.

Mishra said heavy vehicles would be able to use the route within a few hours once the diversion is fully restored.

The diversion was installed after a flash flood on September 28, 2024, swept away the bailey bridge at the same site.

The new bailey bridge has already arrived, and its installation will be completed by mid-June, the Ilam Road Division said.