- Nepal expects heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from September 25 to 27 due to a deep depression moving from the Bay of Bengal.
- Gandaki and Lumbini provinces face significant flood and landslide risks, prompting authorities to issue high-alert warnings for vulnerable riverside settlements.
- Officials have suspended night travel on the BP Highway and advised postponing long-distance journeys due to potential road blockages and hazards.
- Government agencies are strengthening preparedness and early-warning systems to manage the impact of the intensifying monsoon weather across the country.
Kathmandu: Several parts of Nepal are likely to receive heavy rainfall from Thursday as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves west-northwestward, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).
The weather system formed over the northern Andaman Sea before moving into the Bay of Bengal, where it strengthened into a deep depression. The DHM has warned that rainfall activity in Nepal is likely to increase, particularly from September 25 to 27.
The system has already begun affecting the country's weather. Most parts of Nepal remained cloudy on Wednesday, with rain reported in several areas.
The DHM has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places between September 25 and 27. Some areas could receive extremely heavy rain. Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to receive relatively heavier rainfall, while heavy rain is also possible in parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Karnali and Sudurpaschim.
Rainfall likely to increase from Thursday
Meteorologists expect rainfall to become more active from Thursday. The effects of the weather system are likely to be felt first in eastern and central parts of the country before spreading toward western areas.
However, rainfall will not be the same everywhere. Some places may receive heavy rain, while others could see only light or moderate rainfall.
As the system moves west-northwestward, its effects are expected to become more noticeable in central and western Nepal. Eastern and other parts of the country could also receive heavy rain.
The forecast may change depending on the movement and strength of the weather system.
September 25–27 under close watch
The DHM has identified September 25 to 27 as the period when rainfall could become particularly intense.
Heavy to very heavy rain is expected at several places, while isolated areas could receive extremely heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are also possible in some areas.
Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather updates.
The DHM has also advised people to take caution while travelling by road or air, as prolonged rainfall could disrupt transportation.
Flood and landslide risks
The expected rainfall could increase the risk of floods, inundation and landslides, especially near rivers and streams and in hilly and mountainous areas.
However, the level of risk will depend on how much rain falls and how long it continues in a particular area. Heavy rainfall does not necessarily mean that flooding or landslides will occur everywhere.
The DHM monitors rainfall levels and uses established thresholds to assess the possibility of landslides on steep slopes and rising water levels in local rivers and streams.
People living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes have been advised to stay alert and follow weather and flood warnings issued by the authorities.
BP Highway to close at night
The Kavrepalanchok district administration has decided to stop vehicles from operating on the Kavrepalanchok section of the BP Highway at night from September 24 to 28.
Vehicles will not be allowed to travel along the section between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the five-day period.
The decision was taken by the District Monsoon Response Command Post in view of the possibility of floods, landslides and road blockages at several points along the highway.
The administration said the decision could be reviewed depending on weather conditions.
Settlements around the Sunkoshi, Bhotekoshi, Roshi, Khani and Bagmati rivers have been identified as vulnerable areas. Security agencies have been placed on alert, while Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel have been warning residents in at-risk settlements.
The administration has also said residents could be moved to safer locations if the situation requires.
Long-distance travel discouraged
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has advised people to postpone long-distance travel from September 25 to 27 because of the possibility of prolonged rainfall and related hazards.
People travelling through hilly and mountainous areas have been urged to take particular care, as heavy rain could trigger landslides and temporarily block roads.
Authorities strengthen preparedness
Government agencies have been asked to strengthen preparedness and early-warning measures ahead of the expected rainfall.
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha visited the DHM together with Home Minister Sudan Gurung and directed the concerned agencies to improve coordination and strengthen early-warning efforts.
The DHM is continuing to monitor the weather system and update its forecasts.
The department's website provides weather warnings, rainfall observations, hydrological information and flood early-warning services. It has also listed 1155 as its toll-free number for weather and flood-related information.
Forecast may change
Meteorologists say the impact of the weather system will depend on its movement, strength and interaction with the monsoon system as it moves over land.
The current forecast suggests that rainfall could remain active through Saturday, with weather conditions expected to improve afterward. However, the timing and intensity of rainfall may change as the system develops.
For now, authorities are urging people, particularly those living near rivers and on landslide-prone slopes, to follow official weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during the period of increased rainfall risk.
