Kathmandu, 24 September (H.S.): Amid an alert for heavy rainfall across Nepal, the government has urged schools nationwide to remain closed from September 24 to 27. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) have forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, snowfall and thunderstorms in various parts of the country during this period.

Based on the NDRRMA forecast, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has sent a letter to all Education Development and Coordination Units, directing them to coordinate with local authorities and arrange school holidays as necessary. According to a statement issued by Ministry Joint Secretary Shree Prasad Bhattarai, the adverse weather conditions could create risks such as flooding, landslides, waterlogging, riverbank erosion and road blockages.

The Ministry has urged people not to panic but to remain prepared and exercise caution. It has also directed the concerned authorities to ensure the necessary coordination and facilitation for closing schools, keeping in view the safety of students, children, teachers and other staff.

The Ministry has further directed that examinations being conducted by designated universities and other examination authorities should also be postponed, if necessary, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

In the event of a disaster, if safe school buildings are required to be used temporarily as shelters, the concerned authorities have been directed to coordinate with and support local bodies in making such arrangements.

The Ministry has made a special appeal to parents to prevent their children from going near rivers, streams, ponds and other areas vulnerable to landslides. It has urged families to remain highly vigilant and closely monitor weather conditions during the period of adverse weather.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar