Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has halted all domestic flights until Saturday morning due to worsening weather conditions, announced a spokesperson on Friday. This decision follows a red alert from the country’s weather forecasting division on Thursday, which warned of heavy rainfall and potential natural disasters.
The alert, effective for four days, has placed 56 out of Nepal’s 77 districts on high alert for severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) has also responded to the red alert by suspending night-time vehicle operations for two days. They have advised people to avoid long-distance travel unless absolutely necessary.
Men can conquer nature but only at her mercy. #bagmati #Kathmandu #Kathmanduvalley #nature #Flooding #raininkathmandu #monsoon #Nepal pic.twitter.com/rhSakbTqYg
— kaushal (@KaushalGhimire2) September 28, 2024
The forecasting division cited intensified monsoon conditions due to water vapour from the Bay of Bengal and a regional low-pressure system. These conditions are expected to affect the entire country, bringing light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and potential storms, especially in the Terai region.
Warnings have been issued to residents in high-risk areas, particularly those near rivers or landslide-prone zones. The NDRRMA urged individuals in disaster-prone districts to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Farmers in the Terai and Madhesh regions have been specifically advised against harvesting crops during this period and are recommended to store them in elevated areas to prevent flood damage.
Security forces and volunteers are on standby for potential search and rescue operations. Officials have cautioned that rising river levels and possible flooding could disrupt critical sectors such as agriculture, health, tourism, and transportation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Devdiscourse reports that Nepal grounded all domestic flights until Saturday morning due to severe weather conditions, emphasising safety and operational disruptions. (Read more)
- India TV News reports Nepal is cancelling all domestic flights till Saturday due to inclement weather, issuing a red alert for four days and warning of heavy rainfall and potential landslides. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Nepal suspend all domestic flights?
Due to deteriorating weather conditions and a red alert for heavy rainfall and natural disasters.
When will domestic flights in Nepal resume?
Flights are suspended until Saturday morning.
What regions are most affected by the weather alert in Nepal?
56 of Nepal’s 77 districts are on high alert, especially the Terai region.
What precautions are advised for residents in high-risk areas?
Residents near rivers or prone to landslides should stay vigilant and take precautions.
How is the monsoon being intensified in Nepal?
By water vapour from the Bay of Bengal and a low-pressure system in the region.
