Kathmandu, September 21
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country from Friday to Sunday, warning that the weather system could disrupt daily life.
According to a special monsoon weather bulletin issued Monday evening, the rainfall is expected from September 25 to 27, with some areas also at risk of extremely heavy rain.
Weather system
The Meteorological Forecasting Division said a low-pressure system that developed over the northern Andaman Sea and adjoining areas has moved into the central Bay of Bengal and intensified into a deep depression.
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards, increasing rainfall activity in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces from Wednesday.
From September 25 to 27, some parts of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. One or two places could receive extremely heavy rainfall, the division said.
A few places in Madhesh, Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim provinces are also likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while some areas of Karnali province could receive heavy rain.
Authorities urge people to avoid unnecessary night travel
Following the weather department’s bulletin, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued a separate notice Monday urging authorities and the public to remain highly alert.
The authority warned of possible floods, landslides, debris flows and inundation in urban and Tarai areas due to heavy rainfall.
It urged people to avoid long-distance travel, particularly at night, unless absolutely necessary during the forecast period.
Federal ministries, provincial governments, local governments, security agencies and volunteers have also been asked to keep the public informed and remain prepared for emergency response.
Authorities have been instructed to keep equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and loaders ready along roads and highways considered vulnerable to weather-related disruptions.
District security committees, local governments and security agencies have been asked to relocate people and families living in high-risk areas to safer locations before disasters occur, based on early warnings.
Residents living near rivers, streams and areas vulnerable to landslides have also been urged to remain particularly alert.
The authority has asked people to call 1149 for information on rainfall and floods, 1234 for disaster assistance, 100 for Nepal Police and 1114 for the Armed Police Force.
Agriculture and tourism sectors also at risk
The weather department said rising water levels in major and minor rivers could affect daily life, agriculture, health, tourism, construction activities, roads and air transport.
As the rice harvesting season has begun in some areas, farmers have been advised to carry out related activities only after consulting agricultural experts.
The department has also warned that the weather system could bring heavy snowfall in mountainous areas and urged mountaineers and others in the region to exercise heightened caution.
