Heavy Rain Affects Roads in Several Parts of Nepal

Continuous rainfall across much of Nepal has triggered landslides and road disruptions, while authorities have stepped up warnings over possible flooding, inundation and further slope failures.

Nepal is currently under the influence of both monsoon and western weather systems, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, centred near northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha in India, is expected to move northwest before shifting north-northwestward and gradually weakening over the next 24 hours.

The weather office has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall possible in Gandaki and Lumbini. Heavy rain is also possible in parts of Madhesh, while thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are expected in several areas.

Rain and snowfall are also forecast in the higher mountain regions, with heavy snowfall reported in parts of upper Manang.

The continuing rain has affected several major highways.

Authorities in Chitwan have suspended traffic on the Narayanghat–Muglin road section until further notice because of the risk of landslides and further road blockages.

On the Prithvi Highway, a section of road has subsided at Panidhara in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-4, blocking traffic in both directions. Landslides have also obstructed the highway at Simaltara, while falling rocks have disrupted one-way traffic at Tuinkhola and Namdikhol­a.

In Dhading, landslides have blocked both directions of the highway at Krishnabhir and Jyamireghat in Rorang Rural Municipality-7. One-way traffic has been affected at Jarekhhet in Gajuri and Kameribhir in Thakre.

The BP Highway has also been blocked by landslides carrying mud and debris at Gimdibesi and Charsebesi in Roshi Rural Municipality of Kavre.

Police have advised people travelling along the affected highways to check the latest road conditions before starting their journey and to exercise caution because of the possibility of additional landslides.

In Bhaktapur like across many other districts, security personnel have been conducting public announcements in settlements along the Manohara and Hanumante rivers, urging residents to remain alert and avoid flood-prone areas.

The district administration has coordinated with local governments, the Nepal Red Cross, the Department of Roads, hospitals and other agencies as part of preparations for possible flooding, inundation and landslides. Rescue equipment and potential evacuation sites have also been identified.

Local authorities in several areas have issued similar advisories, asking residents near rivers, streams and unstable slopes to remain vigilant.

With rainfall expected to continue, authorities have warned that river levels could rise and additional landslides and road closures may occur.

People are being advised to monitor official weather and road updates, avoid unnecessary travel through high-risk areas and follow instructions from local authorities.

The weather system is expected to gradually weaken after moving north-northwestward, but the Meteorological Forecasting Division says rainfall intensity will vary across the country over the coming period.