National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority Issues High Alert for Heavy Rainfall

Kathmandu. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the general public and concerned bodies to exercise high vigilance, anticipating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in various parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday. 

Citing the forecast from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Authority stated that there is a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in some places in the hilly and Terai regions of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces on Saturday and Sunday.

Similarly, heavy to very heavy rainfall is projected in a few places in Madhesh, Bagmati, and other mountainous and hilly terrains. Due to heavy rainfall, the risk of sudden floods, landslides, soil erosion, inundation, and debris flow is high, prompting the Authority to issue special directives for preparedness. The public has been informed not to leave their homes except for extremely urgent work and to avoid nighttime travel during the said period.

Considering the severity of the risk, the Authority has prohibited vehicular movement during nighttime in 23 highly risk-prone (marked in red) districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. The districts where movement is restricted include Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Terhathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahu, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja. The Authority has stated that vehicular movement can be stopped at any time depending on the sensitivity of the situation.

The Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, along with local levels and volunteers, have been instructed to remain in a state of readiness for disaster response. To clear potential road blockages, heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders have been kept ready on high-risk highways. Furthermore, residents in risk-prone areas have been urged to relocate to safer places, and those living in settlements near rivers and landslide-prone areas have been asked to remain extra vigilant.

For the convenience of citizens, the Authority has requested contact on numbers 1155 for information on rain and floods, 1234 for disaster assistance, 100 for Nepal Police, and 1114 for Armed Police. 

The Authority has also drawn attention to regularly checking media outlets and official portals for updated weather information and warnings.