Kathmandu [Nepal], October 29 – Nepal has placed its health sector on high alert as Cyclone Arnab raises the risk of heavy rainfall, floods and landslides across the country over three days from Thursday.
Minister of Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has discussed preparedness measures with officials and stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and prompt assistance to people affected by potential disasters.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, moderate to heavy rainfall, lightning and strong winds are forecast in various parts of the country from Thursday to Saturday.
The Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit has instructed provincial health emergency operation centres in all seven provinces to appoint emergency focal persons available around the clock and keep essential health personnel including Emergency Medical teams on standby.
The unit has also called for updated inventories of medical staff, medicines, equipment, ambulances and other supplies along with daily reports on health-related incidents.
Authorities have issued safety advisories for trekkers, farmers and residents in vulnerable areas. In Mustang, officials have urged trekkers to avoid five high-altitude routes including Saribung Pass and Thorong La Pass because of the risk of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and snowfall on October 29 and 30.
Meanwhile, the Mahottari District Administration Office has advised farmers to harvest ripe paddy and move it to safe places ahead of possible rainfall between October 28 and November 1.
Farmers in Gulmi are also concerned about potential crop losses as paddy harvesting continues. Authorities have urged the public to follow official weather forecasts and take precautions against possible floods, landslides and transport disruptions.
