Disaster Authority Urges High Alert as Heavy Rain Raises Flood Risk in Over 23 Districts

Kathmandu- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public to remain on high alert on Saturday and Sunday, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of the country.

According to the authority, hilly and Terai areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces are likely to experience intense rainfall over the next two days, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.

The NDRRMA said more than 23 districts are at high risk of flooding. These include Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja.

The authority has advised people to avoid travelling at night in these districts and warned that road transport may be suspended at any time depending on weather conditions and the evolving disaster situation.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of the country’s hilly and mountainous regions, as well as in the Terai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces. Isolated areas in the Terai of Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces may also receive heavy rainfall.

The authority cautioned that the expected rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, riverbank erosion, debris flows, and urban and Terai flooding, urging local governments, emergency responders, and the public to take necessary precautions and preparedness measures.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has also issued a special weather bulletin, advising people across vulnerable areas to remain vigilant over the next two days.