Nepal issues high alert as Cyclone Arnab threatens heavy rain, winds, avalanches

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Tuesday issued a high alert across the country from October 29 to 31 as Cyclone Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal, threatening heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, snowfall and avalanches.

The warning followed a special post-monsoon weather bulletin issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, which forecast widespread adverse weather conditions across several provinces later this week.

According to the department, Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall along India's eastern coast on October 28, with its effects likely to reach Nepal from Thursday night.

The authorities have urged local governments, disaster response agencies and residents to take precautionary measures to minimise risks to life and property.

Five provinces face heightened risk

Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces are expected to experience the most significant effects of the cyclone on October 30 and 31.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that many areas in these provinces could receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Heavy rainfall is also possible in some locations, raising concerns about localised flooding and disruptions to daily activities.

Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces are also likely to experience moderate rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy showers possible at isolated locations.

The NDRRMA has warned that changing weather conditions could affect transport services, agriculture and settlements in vulnerable areas.

Avalanche warning for Himalayan regions

Authorities have expressed particular concern about high-hill and Himalayan regions, where heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches are possible during the alert period.

The adverse weather could pose risks to trekkers, mountaineers and residents of remote settlements, particularly in areas where access to emergency assistance is limited.

Tourists have been advised to avoid travelling to high-altitude destinations between October 29 and 31. Those already in mountainous areas have been urged to remain in safe locations until weather conditions improve.

The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal has also advised trekking operators to take precautions and suspend journeys towards vulnerable high-altitude routes and mountain passes.

Flooding and transport disruptions feared

The authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could increase water levels in rivers and streams, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

Residents have been advised to avoid riverbanks, flood-prone settlements and other high-risk locations during periods of intense rainfall.

Road and air transport services could also face disruptions because of poor visibility, strong winds, landslides and snowfall.

The disaster management authority has recommended postponing non-essential travel and following instructions issued by local administrations and emergency response agencies.

Farmers have also been advised to protect agricultural produce, particularly paddy crops, from possible damage caused by unseasonal rainfall.

Authorities issue emergency helplines

In its advisory, the NDRRMA called on government agencies, local authorities and the public to remain prepared for emergencies throughout the three-day alert period.

The authority urged residents to regularly monitor weather forecasts and early warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and other official agencies.

People seeking weather information can contact the meteorological helpline at 1155, while disaster-related assistance is available through 1234.

Emergency services can also be contacted through Nepal Police at 100, the Armed Police Force at 1114 and Tourist Police at 1144.

The advisory, signed by NDRRMA Under Secretary and Spokesperson Ram Bahadur K.C., emphasised the need for coordinated preparedness measures to reduce the potential impact of the approaching weather system.

Cyclone approaches India's eastern coast

Cyclone Arnab, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast on Wednesday.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph, around the time of landfall.

Although the cyclone is expected to weaken after moving inland, its associated weather system could bring significant rainfall and snowfall to Nepal.

Authorities in both countries are monitoring the cyclone's movement and have advised residents in potentially affected areas to follow official forecasts and safety instructions as conditions develop.