Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal is preparing for significant rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 200 millimeters next week. This comes as a cyclonic storm develops in the Bay of Bengal, meteorologists have warned.
Meteorologist Binod Pokharel highlighted the possibility of over 200 millimeters of rain between next Wednesday and Sunday. He clarified that this rainfall would not occur in a single day, and the exact timing and affected areas could still change.
Pokharel emphasized the potential dangers, especially during the paddy harvesting season and for travelers in the Himalayan regions. Heavy rainfall in a short period, even outside monsoon, poses a risk. In higher altitudes, this could lead to heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and avalanches. He urged everyone to check weather updates and official advisories before planning travel.
Comparing the current situation to the 2014 blizzard linked to Cyclone Hudhud, which claimed 43 lives, Pokharel noted similar weather indicators. He expressed hope that early alerts would lead to better preparedness this time.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology confirmed that a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday. This system is likely to move towards India’s northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts. Its effects are anticipated in Nepal from Wednesday (October 28) to Sunday (November 1).
While the precise impact on Nepal remains uncertain, the Department advised vigilance for sectors like agriculture and tourism. A slight drop in temperatures across the country is also forecast.