Nepal Braces for Intense Rainfall, Floods, and Landslides: Heavy Rainfall and Travel Restrictions Imposed Amid Weather Alerts

KalimNews, Kathmandu, October 4, 2025 : Nepal is on high alert as the country faces a series of intense weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, expected over the next four days. A fresh low-pressure system moving inland from the Bay of Bengal is fueling active monsoon conditions, prompting authorities to issue warnings for significant rainfall across the country. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), the weather will remain generally cloudy nationwide, with moderate to heavy rainfall forecast from October 3 to 6 in several regions, including Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has confirmed that the monsoon low-pressure system, which originated in Odisha, India, is advancing towards central India, drawing moisture-laden winds into Nepal. This system is expected to intensify rainfall activities between October 4 and 6 (Ashoj 17–20). The DHM has warned that river levels in major rivers such as the Narayani, Bagmati, Kamala, and Koshi, as well as their tributaries, could rise significantly, potentially reaching danger levels. The warning includes the likelihood of sudden flooding in smaller rivers and streams flowing through the Chure and Mahabharat ranges.

Special caution is advised in districts including Kathmandu Valley, Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Makawanpur, and Chitwan in Bagmati Province; Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, and Morang in Koshi Province; and Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, and Rautahat in Madhesh Province. The public has been urged to stay updated on official forecasts and flood alerts through the DHM website, social media channels, and the toll-free hotline (1155).

In response to the forecast, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a four-day travel advisory, urging the public to avoid long-distance and nighttime journeys unless absolutely necessary. The NDRRMA highlighted the risk of floods, landslides, and rising water levels in rivers, advising the public to remain cautious and limit travel during this period. Local authorities have been instructed to prepare evacuation plans, particularly for residents living near riverbanks, and security forces are on standby with heavy machinery for road clearance operations.

Authorities have already imposed travel restrictions on two key routes connecting Kathmandu with the rest of the country. Starting tonight, the Kanti Highway will be closed to vehicles from 4:00 pm to 6:00 am, and the Hetauda–Bhaise–Kathmandu road will be closed from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am. These restrictions will remain in place until October 6, according to the Makawanpur District Administration Office. Similar warnings have been issued for the Kanti Highway and routes connecting Bagmati and Konjyosom rural municipalities in Lalitpur, with the Kathmandu District Administration urging the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the nighttime hours.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal emphasized the need for effective disaster preparedness during a virtual meeting on Thursday, attended by senior officials from various agencies. The meeting focused on ensuring that disaster response measures are people-centered and effective in mitigating the risks posed by the upcoming weather conditions.

Nepal's monsoon season, which began unusually early this year on May 28, is expected to persist longer than usual. Meteorologists from the DHM noted that while the monsoon typically arrives by June 13, this year it arrived 15 days ahead of schedule, and its withdrawal is now expected to be delayed. The monsoon became active again on October 2, due to a trough shifting from the Bay of Bengal towards Nepal. Heavy rains are expected to continue until Sunday, after which conditions should gradually improve with the influence of westerly winds.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly in hilly areas and flood-prone lowlands. The Traffic Police have intensified efforts to ensure road safety, with special attention being given to the Kathmandu Valley, which is experiencing heavy rainfall. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has confirmed that significant rainfall will continue across the country until Sunday, with conditions expected to improve starting Monday.

In addition to weather updates, the Traffic Police have issued advisories at major checkpoints to encourage caution while traveling. As the rain makes roads slippery and visibility poor, the risk of landslides and flooding increases. Drivers are being urged to take extreme caution when traveling, especially on highways such as the Prithvi, Siddhartha, BP, and Araniko highways, which are particularly vulnerable to landslides during heavy rains.

The Traffic Police have been using loudspeakers and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to communicate safety messages, providing road updates and weather forecasts in real time. Special focus has been placed on ensuring that long-distance travel, especially during nighttime or in heavy rain, is minimized. Traffic authorities are also advising vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition, particularly with regard to brakes, tires, and lighting.

The NDRRMA and the Traffic Police continue to urge all citizens to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and to follow official guidelines during this high-risk period. With heavy rainfall, rising river levels, and increased landslide risks, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Authorities are working tirelessly to monitor the situation and clear any potential roadblockages to ensure smooth passage when conditions improve.