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The District Administration Office (DAO) has urged the public to remain highly cautious from Oct 3 to 6, citing forecasts of active monsoon conditions across several provinces.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Forecasting Division, heavy rainfall is expected in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces.

Following this forecast, the DAO has advised heightened preparedness. Authorities have particularly warned that sudden floods could occur in small rivers and streams of Kathmandu Valley, Kavrepalanchok, Makwanpur, and other districts.

The risk of floods, inundation, landslides, and soil erosion remains high. Travelers on the Kanti Highway and roads linking Bagmati Rural Municipality, Konjyosom Rural Municipality, and Mahankal Rural Municipality have been asked to exercise extra caution.

The DAO has further suggested avoiding nighttime travel unless absolutely necessary. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to remain vigilant from Oct 3 to 6, take precautionary measures to reduce risks, and follow instructions issued by security agencies or local governments.

Vehicular movement has been restricted at night on two major roads between Hetauda and Kathmandu till Oct 6, starting tonight (Oct 3), due to forecasts of heavy rain.

According to Makawanpur’s Chief District Officer, Scheme Shrestha, vehicles will not be allowed to move through the Kanti Highway from 4:00 pm to 6:00 am and on the Hetauda–Bhaise–Kathmandu road from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am. These restrictions will remain in place until Oct 6.

The decision was made based on rainfall predictions from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, citing the influence of local and monsoon winds.

The CDO has urged the public to avoid long-distance or night travel unless it’s an emergency, and to stay alert for possible rain-related risks. 

Vehicular movement along the Kavre Bhanjyang–Bhakundebesi–Sindhuli section of the BP Highway has been restricted at night.

According to the Kavre District Administration Office, the restriction will remain in place from today until Tuesday. Vehicles, except ambulances and those providing essential services, will not be allowed to operate between 5 pm and 5 am on this stretch of the highway.

The decision was taken due to forecasts of heavy rainfall from Oct 3 to 6, which could pose risks along the highway, the office stated.

Greetings from Kathmandu!

Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Dashain festival, was celebrated across the country with families coming together to offer and receive Tika and blessings from elders. However, Prime Minister Sushila Karki did not participate in the traditional Tika ceremony this year.

Instead, she met with families of the martyrs and emphasized that the government is exploring ways to support them, particularly in education and employment sectors. She remarked, "People in the government did not have enough wisdom," referring to the leadership during the protests. Karki met

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved continued financial assistance to Nepal under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The IMF Executive Board endorsed the sixth review of Nepal’s ECF program, signaling confidence in the country’s economic reforms. This approval opens the door for Nepal to access further financial resources under the program.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued a travel advisory ahead of a forecast of significant rainfall between Oct 17 and 20. Moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel during this period. In light of the forecast, vehicular movement along the Banepa-Sindhuli highway—severely damaged by last year’s monsoon—has been temporarily banned.

With Dashain festivities coming to a close, political activities are expected to pick up momentum. Major parties are gearing up for internal meetings to outline future strategies. The Election Commission, which has already begun preparations for the upcoming elections, is set to hold consultations with political parties. Additionally, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are planning to convene an all-party meeting to develop a common stance on key contemporary issues, including electoral matters.

No negotiations have yet taken place between the government and political parties—a necessary step to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections. The absence of dialogue is raising concerns about the feasibility and credibility of the electoral process.

Adding to the tension, two major political parties—Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML—have strongly objected to the government’s decision to bar former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and other senior officials from traveling abroad. The decision has been criticized as politically motivated.

In contrast, the CPN (Maoist Center) has remained silent on the matter. According to insiders, party Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal views the growing unpopularity of NC and UML as an opportunity to strengthen the Maoist Center's position. Notably, during the GenZ protests, Maoist leaders were not significantly targeted—something Dahal reportedly sees as a strategic advantage in the shifting political landscape.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor