NDRRMA urges caution amid rain forecast in five provinces

Kathmandu, Oct 3: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public to avoid long-distance travel, unless in an emergency, for the next four days beginning today, in five provinces: Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini.

According to NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat, the urge follows a weather forecast from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology predicting moderate to very heavy rainfall in various districts from October 3 to 6. The downpour is expected due to a monsoon trough shifting from the Bay of Bengal towards Nepal.

The NDRRMA warned that the rainfall may trigger floods and landslides, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. Water levels in major rivers such as the Bagmati, Kamala, and Koshi are expected to rise significantly, potentially reaching dangerous levels.

The authority highlighted risks of seasonal floods in small rivers across several districts, including: Kathmandu Valley, Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Makawanpur, and Chitwan of Bagamati Province; Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, and Morang of Koshi Province; and Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and surrounding areas of Madhesh Province.

The NDRRMA has advised the public to avoid long-distance and night-time travel unless absolutely necessary. District Disaster Management Committees have been urged to assess local road conditions and consider restricting vehicle movement if required.

Residents near riverbanks have been asked to remain alert and identify safer, higher ground in case evacuation becomes necessary. The authority has also called on security agencies, local governments, volunteers, and relevant organizations to be on standby for emergency response. This includes ensuring that heavy machinery such as dozers, excavators, and loaders is ready for deployment on vulnerable roads and highways.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office in Lalitpur echoed these warnings, urging the public to avoid travel in the five provinces during the advisory period. It also flagged potential risks of flash floods, landslides, and road damage particularly along the Kanti Highway and routes connecting Bagamati and Konjyosom rural municipalities.

Residents in high-risk areas have been asked to take extra precautions, while local authorities and security bodies have been directed to prepare for possible disaster response and mitigation efforts. (RSS)