Follow | Nepal’s Bagmati River breaks levels in terrifying visuals amid heavy rain, government activates emergency response | Today’s news
A high alert has been issued in low-lying areas near rivers amid heavy rains in Nepal. Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country witnessed heavy downpour since Thursday. The government has reportedly activated disaster response mechanisms following an alert from the weather forecast. Several visuals have surfaced online.
A view of the Bagmati River amid heavy rain
In a new video, the swollen Bagmati River is seen overflowing its banks after heavy rains.
According to ANI, key major highways connecting Kathmandu to the rest of the country including Prithvi Expressway, BP Expressway and Kanti Lokpath are currently blocked due to landslides.
According to the news agency, heavy rainfall has been predicted in various parts of Nepal over the weekend.
A low pressure system is said to be forming over the Bay of Bengal. It may bring heavy rain in India and Nepal from around 24th to 27th September.
Heavy rain in Nepal
Heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecast at some places of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. Koshi, Bagmati, Madhes, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces were also expected to witness downpour.
Travel advisory issued
Ananda Kafle, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs issued the recommendation on Wednesday. He urged citizens to remain alert and watch government channels for verified updates during this period.
“Heavy rains have been predicted in various parts of Nepal from the coming 9th to 11th Asoj. Therefore, I urge everyone to be alert. I would like to urge everyone to seek official and updated information and information from the Nepal Meteorological Department, National Disaster Risk Reduction Agency and other government agencies,” he noted.
The ministry also issued a travel advisory. “I would also like to urge everyone to avoid travel during this period except for essential purposes and stay away from places prone to floods, landslides and flooding,” the joint secretary added.
“The government has activated all mechanisms for its preparedness. We have already prepared a monsoon preparedness and response plan and have circulated it to all districts. Even at the time of the warning from the meteorological department, the home ministry has also issued a circular to all district offices to mobilize mechanisms in all districts as per the response plan,” said the joint secretary.
The Ministry of Tourism has also urged climbers, hikers and others to be cautious and alert. They were advised to return to safer places and avoid unnecessary travel.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a nationwide state of emergency.
According to the Nepal Meteorological Bulletin, heavy rain with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds is expected from Friday to Sunday.
