Kathmandu [Nepal], Oct 27 – Cyclone Arnab is expected to trigger heavy rain and rising river levels across Nepal from Thursday, while heavy snowfall, avalanches and possible disruptions to road and air travel are forecast in the hills and Himalayan regions.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people to remain on high alert from Thursday to Saturday as the cyclone intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall in India on October 28.
The authority said Arnab is gaining strength and is likely to become a very severe cyclone, with its effects on Nepal expected to begin on the night of Thursday, October 29.
Koshi, Bagmati, Madhes, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to see moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds on Friday and Saturday. Heavy rainfall is possible in a few places.
Moderate rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and wind is also expected in parts of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, with heavy rainfall possible at one or two locations.
The rainfall is expected to cause rivers to rise from Thursday, particularly in the Narayani, Koshi, Bagmati and Kamala basins, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Continuous heavy rainfall between Friday and Saturday could push river flows towards warning and vigilance thresholds in the Narayani, Koshi, Bagmati, Kamala and Tinau basins. Minor rises are also expected in the Mahakali, Karnali, West Rapti and Babai rivers.
The DHM has warned of flash floods and waterlogging in hilly, Chure and Tarai catchments, particularly along small rivers and tributaries.
The weather system is also expected to affect Kathmandu Valley.
The authority has also warned that road and air transport and other aspects of daily life could be disrupted, and urged people to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from high-risk areas, particularly riverbanks vulnerable to flooding.
Farmers have been advised to complete harvesting and bring in paddy crops by Wednesday afternoon, before the rainfall begins.
Lamichhane said the cyclone’s influence is expected to gradually weaken from Saturday night.
