Two-day holiday announced as flood threats rise
The government has announced public holidays tomorrow and the day after.
Considering the heavy rainfall and associated risks, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that all offices across Nepal, except those related to disaster management and essential services, will remain closed on Oct 5 and 6.
Heavy rainfall alert issued
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from 8 pm Saturday to 8 am Sunday and has urged the public to remain cautious.
During a discussion on the monsoon situation and preparedness chaired by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, the department’s Director General Kamal Ram Joshi said that special precautions are necessary as very heavy rainfall is likely.
Joshi stated that Bagmati, Madhes, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces are particularly at risk and urged residents living near rivers and streams in these regions to remain alert.
“There is a possibility of more than 200 millimeters of rainfall between 10 pm Saturday and 2 am Sunday in these provinces, so high caution is necessary,” Joshi said, advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
According to the department, the monsoon is currently active across the country due to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Major highways blocked across Nepal (List)
Multiple highways across Nepal have been obstructed due to continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides, according to the Nepal Police. As of Friday 11:50 am, several key road sections remain fully or partially blocked, halting vehicular movement.
In Kathmandu Valley, continuous rainfall has caused flooding in Chandragiri Municipality, obstructing traffic heading from Kalanki toward Dharke and Makwanpur. Vehicles have been stopped in both directions.
In Koshi Province, the Koshi Highway has been completely blocked in two locations — at Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-4 in Sankhuwasabha and at Makalu Rural Municipality-3.
In Bagmati Province, several roads remain obstructed. In Rasuwa, flooding at Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2 has completely blocked the road connecting Nepal to the Chinese border.
Landslides in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (at three points) have obstructed the Pasang Lhamu Highway.
A landslide at Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-4 (Chaku Bhir) in Sindhupalchok has fully blocked the Araniko Highway.
Another landslide at Khandichaur (Jugal Rural Municipality-8) has caused a partial obstruction on the Araniko Highway.
In Kavrepalanchok, a landslide at Roshi Rural Municipality-11 (Manebhanjyang) has completely blocked the BP Highway.
Additionally, flooding and waterlogging at several points between Dolalghat and Khadichaur in Sindhupalchok have caused traffic disruptions, with vehicles stopped in both directions.
Authorities have urged travelers to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and follow official updates on road conditions.
