NDRRMA Urges Caution amid Heavy Rain Forecast in Five Provinces

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public to avoid long-distance travel, unless in emergencies, over the next four days as heavy rainfall has been forecast across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces.

According to NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat, the advisory follows a forecast by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, which has predicted moderate to very heavy rainfall in various districts between October 3 and 6 due to a monsoon trough shifting from the Bay of Bengal towards Nepal.

The NDRRMA warned that the downpour could trigger floods and landslides, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas. Water levels in major rivers, including the Bagmati, Kamala, and Koshi, are expected to rise significantly, potentially reaching dangerous levels.

The authority highlighted the risk of seasonal floods in small rivers across several districts. In Bagmati Province, high-risk areas include Kathmandu Valley, Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Makawanpur, and Chitwan.

In Koshi Province, districts such as Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, and Morang have been listed as high-risk areas, while in Madhesh Province, Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and surrounding areas have been placed under special watch.

The public has been advised to avoid long-distance and night-time travel unless absolutely necessary. District Disaster Management Committees have also been asked to assess road conditions and, if required, restrict vehicle movement.

Residents living near riverbanks have been urged to stay alert and identify safer, higher ground in case evacuation becomes necessary. The authority has also called on security agencies, local governments, volunteers, and related organizations to remain on standby for emergency response, including keeping heavy machinery such as dozers, excavators, and loaders ready for deployment along vulnerable roads and highways.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Lalitpur echoed the warnings, urging the public to avoid travel in the five provinces during the advisory period. It flagged particular risks of flash floods, landslides, and road damage along the Kanti Highway and routes linking Bagamati and Konjyosom rural municipalities.

Residents in high-risk areas have been asked to exercise extra caution, while local authorities and security bodies have been instructed to prepare for possible disaster response and mitigation efforts. -- RSS