Nepal has been placed on high alert as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across several parts of the country from September 25 to 27. Authorities are preparing for possible floods, landslides, inundation and road disruptions as a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify rainfall.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that Gandaki and Lumbini provinces could receive particularly intense rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible in some locations. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The government has mobilized security agencies and instructed authorities at the federal, provincial and local levels to remain prepared. The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been placed on standby, while local administrations have begun warning residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas.
Local governments have also been instructed to prepare temporary shelters in schools and community buildings and to be ready to relocate people from settlements considered vulnerable. Officials have been asked to maintain emergency communication and provide early warnings through local FM stations, ward offices, social media and public announcements.
The expected rainfall has already led authorities to impose restrictions on several major roads. Night-time traffic has been restricted on highways including the Prithvi Highway, BP Highway, Kanti Highway and Narayanghat–Muglin roadbecause of concerns over landslides, flooding and difficult rescue operations during the night.
Authorities are also urging people to reconsider unnecessary long-distance and night-time travel during the period of heaviest rainfall. People living near rivers, steep slopes and other high-risk areas have been advised to stay alert and move to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.
The warning comes only weeks after the devastating Bhotekoshi flood, which caused extensive loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The possibility of another period of intense rainfall has therefore prompted authorities to strengthen preparations and respond more quickly to early warning signs.
Government agencies have also prepared hospitals, ambulances, emergency personnel and essential supplies for possible emergencies. Officials say the priority is to reduce the risk to lives and property by taking preventive action before conditions become more dangerous.
With rainfall expected to remain significant through the weekend, authorities are urging residents to closely follow official weather and disaster alerts and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by heavy rain, floods or landslides.