A high alert has been issued across Koshi province as a weather system capable of causing heavy rainfall has become active, increasing the risk of rain-related disasters.
Continuous rainfall in Biratnagar and various districts across the province has begun disrupting daily life.
In view of the potential risks, Biratnagar Metropolitan City and local governments in Jhapa have closed schools.
According to the Koshi Province Police Office, the Khandbari-Kimathanka road section of the Koshi Highway has been completely blocked after landslides occurred at Hunghung in Bhot Khola Rural Municipality-2, Sankhuwasabha.
Several large landslides have occurred at different points along roughly 700 meters of road in the Hung Hung area. The landslides have completely halted vehicular movement.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from September 24 to 27.
According to the department, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi and rainfall accompanied by thunder in many places in the hilly and Himalayan regions of the province on Thursday.
Local levels and administration have heightened vigilance, taking into account the risks of increased water flow in rivers and streams, flooding of roads and settlements, and road blockages due to landslides caused by the rain.
Biratnagar Metropolitan City has decided to close all schools within the metropolitan area on Thursday and Friday. The city’s Education Administration Division ordered the two-day closure in view of the safety of students and the general public.
In Ilam, authorities have restricted nighttime vehicular movement on roads considered at risk.
The District Administration Office, Ilam, has decided to halt vehicular movement on the Mechi Highway, Mechi Corridor, and other vulnerable roads from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. The restriction will remain in effect from Thursday evening until the morning of September 27.
Ilam has previously suffered significant damage from rain-induced disasters. Last year, excessive rainfall from October 3 to 5 caused major loss of life and property in the district due to floods and landslides. At the time, 39 people died, one person went missing, and 26 were injured in Ilam.
