Nepal landslides disrupt highways and trigger vegetable price surges

Heavy rainfall and widespread landslides in Nepal have severely disrupted transportation and food supplies. In Karnali Province, major routes including the Mid-Hill Highway, Karnali Highway, and Rapti Highway have been blocked by landslides, cutting off movement in districts such as Rukum West, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, and Jajarkot.

These logistical disruptions have directly impacted food availability in Kathmandu. The Kalimati vegetable market has seen a significant drop in supply, with vegetable arrivals falling to 242 tons, down from 817 tons a week prior. Consequently, vegetable prices are surging; tomato retail prices have reached 150-160 Nepali rupees per kilogram due to the scarcity caused by blocked supply routes.