September 27, 2024
KATHMANDU – Based on the high-alert warning for heavy to extreme rainfall across all seven provinces, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued a monsoon alert on Thursday.
According to NDRRMA, Jhapa, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Udaypur, Bhojpur, Ilam, Panchthar, Morang of Koshi Province, Siraha, Saptari, Parsa of Madhesh Province and Makwanpur, Chitwan, Dhading, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Sindhuli and Ramechhap of Bagmati Province are at high risk of the monsoon-related hazards from Thursday to Sunday.
Similarly, Myagdi, Baglung, Tanahun, Syangja, Nawalparasi (East), Kaski, Parbat, Lamjung, Gorkha, Manang of Gandaki Province, Rukum (East), Rolpa, Gulmi, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi (West), Banke, Bardiya of Lumbini Province and Jajarkot, Rukum (West), Dailekh, Surkhet, Salyan of Karnali Province are also among the districts at high risk of the monsoon havoc.
The list comprises Doti, Kailali, and Achham of Sudurpaschim Province.
The districts listed above are at increased risk of flooding, landslides, and other monsoon-related disasters, the disaster risk reduction authority said in its statement.
In light of the potential risks, the NDRRMA has requested the public to take precautionary steps including travel restrictions like halting the night bus services in high-risk hilly and mountainous districts on September 27 and 28 to avoid landslide and flood-related dangers.
Given the impacts on harvesting, the authority has advised farmers not to harvest rice, and in case it’s already harvested, to store it immediately to prevent damage.
The NDRRMA has urged the residents in flood-prone low-lying areas of Tarai and Madhesh to avoid storing grains on ground floors.
Likewise, people in landslide-prone areas and riverside settlements have been requested to maintain vigilance and avoid gathering firewood or fishing near rivers.
The NDRRMA, an authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has requested all three security agencies and volunteers to be on high alert, prepared for immediate search and rescue operations.
Likewise, the authority has asked the public to avoid non-essential travel and avoid taking shelter under trees, watermills or outside structures during thunderstorms.