Appeal to keep night buses off road in districts at high risk of downpour

Kathmandu, Aug 6: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has alerted the concerned ones not to operate bus services at night in the districts which are vulnerable to heavy rainfall.     

The Authority, citing the weather forecast of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, viewed there would be heavy and torrential rainfall today and tomorrow in some of the districts and appealed keep the buses off road during night.     

Since natural disasters such as flood and landside wreak more havoc at night owing to the torrential rainfall, the Authority requested for the same.     

A total of 34 districts in Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpachim Provinces are likely to witness torrential rainfall for the two consecutive days, according to the Department.     

The districts to see the adverse weather are Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Terahthum, Rasuwa, Chitwan, Sindhupalchowk, Dhanding, Nuwakot, Myagdi and Baglung.     

Similarly, Parbat, Syangja, Tanahu, Nawalparashi Purba, Lamjung, Gorkha, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Palpa, Gulmi, Dang, Banke, Bardia, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi, Rukum Paschim, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Doti and Baitadi are also predicted to experience heavy to torrential rainfall.     

The Authority has also notified the District Disaster Management Committee and Local Disaster Management Committees to coordinate effort to relocate those at high risk areas to safer locations.     

Furthermore, the Authority asked the stakeholders to coordinate with the government agencies related to disasters management in their districts for early preparedness and disaster response efforts.     

All three security agencies Nepal Police, Nepali Army and the Armed Police Force, will be stand-by in the vulnerable areas for search, rescue and relocation operation, according to the Authority.     

The NDRRMA urged public not to consider travel except in urgent situation and requested those residing on the river banks and in landslide-risk areas to remain highly alert considering the likelihood of disasters. (RSS)