Kathmandu, 26 September (H.S.): Rain has begun in several parts of Nepal under the influence of a low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal. In view of the weather department’s forecast, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Saturday directed that vehicular movement be completely suspended in 25 districts of western Nepal.

In a notice issued late Friday evening, the NDRRMA said extremely heavy rainfall was expected in these districts on Saturday. The districts placed under a red alert are located in Karnali, Sudurpashchim, Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. Authorities have directed that all vehicular movement remain suspended throughout Saturday in these areas.

The 25 districts under the red alert are Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, Kailali and Kanchanpur in Sudurpashchim Province; Dolpa, Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu, Humla and Surkhet in Karnali Province; Pyuthan, Dang, Rupandehi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, Banke and Bardiya in Lumbini Province; and Manang, Mustang, Gorkha, Lamjung and Syangja in Gandaki Province.

Heavy rainfall has also been forecast in 30 other districts. These districts are spread across five provinces, excluding Koshi and Madhesh. An orange alert has been issued for these areas, with authorities directing that vehicular movement be suspended during the night.

The District Monsoon Response Command Posts have been authorized to decide whether vehicles should operate during the daytime, based on local weather conditions and the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is forecast in 22 other districts of Nepal. These include districts in Koshi and Madhesh provinces, as well as Makwanpur and Sindhuli districts in Bagmati Province. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain alert and closely monitor weather conditions.

The administration has urged people in areas at risk of heavy rainfall to avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar