SATV Kathmandu Oct 30: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a notice urging people to remain cautious, as Cyclone Montha, which has developed over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to affect many parts of the country from Thursday to Saturday.
The cyclone made landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday and is likely to gradually become weaker while moving to north-northwest direction, bringing active thunder, rainfall and snowfall, the DHM said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Binod Parajuli, a senior hydrologist at the DHM, the weather system is expected to affect the eastern, central, and western parts of the country, causing heavy rainfall in many areas. Heavy rain is likely in Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces, while some areas in Bagmati and Lumbini provinces may also experience heavy rainfall, he said.
Parajuli said that the rainfall could cause flooding in the small rivers. Likewise, heavy snowfall is likely in the high mountainous areas of Bagmati, Koshi and Gandaki provinces.
One or two high-altitude areas in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces may also experience heavy snowfall, he said.
“This is considered an untimely heavy snowfall in the high-altitude areas, mainly caused by the moisture brought by Cyclone Montha from the Bay of Bengal not because of westerly. This is not a regular phenomenon, as such cyclones do not occur every time,” he said.
According to the latest analysis, some places in the eastern, central, and western parts of the country may receive very heavy rainfall. This weather system may cause a significant rise in the water levels in the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali rivers, while the Bagmati, Narayani, and Mahakali rivers may also see a rise in water levels.
Major cities, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Butwal, Dharan and Biratnagar are also at risk of floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall.
“Considering the potential risks of sudden rise in water levels in rivers, landslides, and the likely effects on daily life, road and air transport, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors, all concerned authorities, and the general public are requested to stay alert,” Parajuli said.
He also advised to regularly check updated information through the Department’s website, social media pages, toll-free number (1155), and SMS services.
Tourists return from Mustang amid weather alerts
Meanwhile, our Mustang correspondent Hari Krishna Sharma reported that the number of tourists and pilgrims entering Mustang has started returning following a weather alert issued by the DHM about rainfall and snowfall in the high Himalayan region. Mustang, which had been crowded with domestic tourists, has seen a rise in the number of visitors returning instead of entering after the issuance of alert notices.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tsering Kippa Lama said that due to heavy snowfall, locals from Mustang have also been unable to travel to the Chinese customs office at the Korala border point for trade. “Many tourists visiting Upper Mustang are returning due to the weather alert.
Because of the timely warning, we have not received reports of anyone being stranded,” DSP Lama said.
President of the Mustang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Raju Lalchan, said tourist arrivals started to decline after the forecast of rain and snowfall. “Many tourists check the weather alerts before travelling. Following such alerts helps avoid difficulties,” Lalchan said.
The District Administration Office has requested trekkers not to travel along high-altitude trails from Tuesday until Friday. Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Bhusal said that tourists currently in Mustang are staying safely in their hotels.
CDO Bhusal added that coordination is ongoing to safely return trekkers and visitors to Muktinath Temple. He said no new tourists have entered high-altitude areas such as Yak Kharka (5,800 metres) on the Mustang–Dolpa border, Thorong La Pass (5,416 metres) between Mustang and Manang, Saribung Pass, and Dhaulagiri Trek’s Dampus Peak route.
