KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged citizens to avoid travelling on highways during rainfall and at night as much as possible. The prime minister, who is currently in the United States to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, issued the appeal via social media on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Shah requested citizens to exercise extreme caution in areas prone to landslides and floods, as well as near rivers and streams. Citing the potential for heavy to extreme rainfall across various parts of the country, he advised people to take necessary precautions to avoid flooding, landslides, and road obstructions. He further requested those planning trekking or travel to mountainous regions to postpone or reconsider their plans until weather conditions improve.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted heavy to extreme rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in various parts of the country from Sept. 25 to 27.
According to the department, some areas in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to experience heavy to extreme rainfall. Similarly, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The department warned that due to the weather system, there is a high risk of floods, landslides, inundation, and road blockages in regions including the areas surrounding Pokhara, the hilly and Terai regions of Lumbini, the mountainous areas including Taplejung in Koshi, the hilly regions of Bagmati, areas near Jumla in Karnali, and the hilly areas of Sudurpashchim.
