A low-pressure system is developing over the Bay of Bengal and could bring heavy rain across Nepal from around September 24 to 27. The disaster response mechanisms have been activated in Nepal following an alert from weather forecasters predicting heavy rainfall in various parts of the nation over the weekend.
The weather service has predicted heavy and very heavy rainfall in some places of Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces. Even some places in Koshi, Bagmati, Madhes, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces were likely to have downpour. “The government has activated all the mechanisms for its pre-preparation. We have already prepared a monsoon pre-preparation and response plan and sent it to all the districts.
In the wake of the probable heavy rainfall warning, the Department of Tourism has urged mountaineers, trekkers and support staff to exercise caution as heavy rainfall is forecast across the nation from September 25 to September 27, potentially affecting trekking and mountaineering activities.
Even during the warning period issued by the Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued a circular to all the district administration offices to mobilise the mechanisms in all the districts according to the response plan, and they have been mobilised accordingly,” the Joint Secretary said.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a nationwide high alert following severe weather bulletins from the Nepal Meteorological Department (NMD) predicting heavy rainfall across several parts of the country between September 24 and 27. The weather could trigger soil erosion, floods and landslides, while snowfall is also forecast in the Himalayan region. The department has advised people already in the mountains or travelling there for the autumn season to remain alert, plan their journeys based on weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel during the period. Those who must travel have been urged to do so with caution. The advisory emphasised that the adverse weather system could heavily disrupt daily life, agriculture, health services, tourism, and ongoing construction projects near river corridors, while severely affecting road transportation and domestic and international flight operations.
Heavy rain with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds is expected across the country from Friday to Sunday, according to the Nepal Weather Bulletin.
