Avoid non-essential travel till Monday: NDRRMA

KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people to avoid long-distance and night-time travel, unless essential, until Monday, warning of heightened risks of floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall across several parts of the country.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy rainfall in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces during the period, with some places in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini also at risk. Narayani, Bagmati, Kamala, and Koshi river basins are projected to witness significant water level rise, raising the possibility of inundation in low-lying areas.

The NDRRMA has identified Jhapa, Sunsari, Morang, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Chitwan, Nawalpur, and parts of Kailali, Kanchanpur and Bardiya as highly vulnerable. It has advised people living along riverbanks, flood-prone zones and landslide-sensitive areas to remain on high alert.

It has instructed local disaster management committees to stay on standby and make arrangements for immediate rescue and relief if necessary; ensure safe relocation of residents from at-risk settlements to safer shelters; keep emergency equipment such as dozers, excavators, and loaders ready to clear blocked roads;  and maintain close coordination between local authorities, security forces, and disaster management committees for timely response.
It has also appealed to people to remain cautious, stay updated through official forecasts and follow safety guidelines strictly during the period.