KATHMANDU, July 18: Heavy rainfall has been recorded in the hilly areas of Bagmati Province over the past 24 hours, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reporting up to 105.4 mm of rainfall at the Melamchi Rainfall Measurement Center.
The department said monsoon activity is expected to intensify across the country over the next two days as a low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal moves northwestward.
Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely in most parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday, while some areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Heavy rain predicted in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki areas
According to the department, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the country's mountainous and hilly regions, as well as in a few places in the Tarai of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. One or two places in the Tarai of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces may also receive heavy rainfall. Very heavy rainfall is also possible at one or two locations in the hills and Tarai of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.
The department has urged the public to remain cautious, warning that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, inundation, and rising water levels in rivers and streams.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a high alert for heavy rainfall expected over the next two days in several parts of the country, including Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and the hilly and Tarai areas of Sudurpaschim Province.
In view of the heightened risk, the authority has advised people to avoid unnecessary nighttime travel, particularly in high-risk districts, including Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja.
Residents living near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas have also been urged to remain vigilant and use emergency hotlines for disaster information and assistance.
The public has been advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the NDRRMA.
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