Amid heavy rainfall reported across the country, authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, follow safety measures, and remain alert to the possible risks of floods and landslides until October 6.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces from October 3 to 6. The Department of Roads has advised travelers to use major highways during this period, as security and repair works can be mobilized quickly in case of blockades. It has also suggested avoiding night travel, which is considered more risky.
In line with the forecast, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has directed disaster management bodies at all levels to remain on high alert and strengthen preparedness, response, and rescue efforts. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations and called for special arrangements to relocate pregnant women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and critically ill patients.
The Kathmandu District Administration has also requested people not to travel in or out of the Valley by road at night between October 3 and 6. Assistant Chief District Officer Ashok Kumar Bhandari said long-distance travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, given the possibility of landslides, floods, and soil erosion. Emergency contact numbers have been issued for immediate rescue and relief support. Similar restrictions have been enforced in Lalitpur and other districts, with time-bound vehicle operations on risky routes such as the Kanti Highway.
Meanwhile, traffic has resumed on the Narayangadh-Muglin and Muglin-Nagdhunga sections of the Prithvi Highway, which had been blocked by landslides since Saturday morning. One-way movement has been allowed after debris clearance at Benighat-Rorang area of Dhading and at the Tuinkhola bridge in Chitwan, though authorities cautioned that landslide risks remain high due to ongoing rainfall.
According to meteorologists, this year’s monsoon— which entered Nepal earlier than usual on May 28 and spread nationwide by June 20— is likely to withdraw later than average. Senior meteorologist Min Kumar Aryal said that due to renewed monsoon activity since October 2, heavy downpours are expected through the weekend, with gradual improvement from Monday. – With inputs from RSS
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