Nepal, Sept. 1 -- In less than one week, the Bhotekoshi flood's gargantuan waves and consequent rainfall-induced landslides have caused a collapse of the road transport network in Nepal's central mountainous and hilly region, paralysing the state's ongoing emergency response. Across the rugged terrain of Rasuwa and Nuwakot-the districts at the centre of Nepal's worst natural disaster in a decade-roads that could have been traversed to carry people, food, fuel and rescue equipment have been cut off.

The Trishuli-Mailung-Syabrubesi Road has been washed out at Khalte. Landslide debris has buried the Pasang Lhamu Highway. Farther south, huge landslides at Krishna Bhir and Parewa Bhir have blocked the Prithvi Highway, the main link between Ka...