Kathmandu, July 18 - Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public and all concerned agencies to remain on high alert as forecasts indicate the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the country over the next two days, increasing the risk of floods, landslides, inundation, debris flows, and riverbank erosion.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), very heavy rainfall is expected today and Sunday at isolated locations in the hilly and Tarai regions of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast across much of Nepal's Himalayan and hilly regions, as well as large parts of the Tarai in Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces.
In response to the elevated weather risk, the NDRRMA has advised the public to avoid unnecessary nighttime travel and has requested relevant authorities to suspend night-time vehicular movement in high-risk districts whenever necessary. The Authority has identified Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Terhathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja as districts requiring heightened caution during nighttime travel.
NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local governments, and volunteers have been requested to remain on standby for emergency response operations. Authorities have also been instructed to position heavy equipment, including dozers, excavators, and loaders, along vulnerable highways and road corridors to ensure rapid clearance of landslides and debris if required. Communities identified as being at immediate risk are advised to relocate to safer locations based on early warning information.
The Authority has further urged residents living along riverbanks, flood-prone areas, and landslide-susceptible slopes to remain vigilant and to use official disaster hotlines for emergency assistance. Citizens are also encouraged to closely follow updated forecasts and weather warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the NDRRMA throughout the ongoing monsoon period.
With monsoon activity expected to remain active, disaster management authorities have emphasized that early preparedness, timely evacuation, and strict adherence to official advisories are essential to minimizing the loss of life and property.
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