Govt Declares Two-Day Public Holiday Amid Heavy Rain Forecast

The government has declared a two-day public holiday on Sunday and Monday (October 5 and 6) following forecasts of continuous heavy rainfall across the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the notice on Saturday after the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall between October 4 and 6, with heightened risks of floods, landslides, and inundation in several areas.

Several areas in Madhes have already witnessed heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. The downpour is expected to intensify Saturday night.

“Given the potential impacts on transportation, communication, and public safety, the government has decided to declare a public holiday across Nepal on October 5 and 6,” read the ministry’s notice signed by Joint Secretary and spokesperson Aananda Kafle.

The ministry clarified that the holiday will not apply to agencies engaged in disaster response or essential public services. It also urged the public to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions as the adverse weather persists.