PM Karki appeals for safety as floods triggered wreak havoc; Operation of long-haul vehicles suspended; Helicopters on standby for rescue

Kathmandu / Oct. 04: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged all citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety amid heavy rainfall across the country, which has heightened the risk of floods, landslides, and inundation. Addressing the nation on Saturday, she cited warnings from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology that the rainfall is expected to continue over the next two days, with river flows potentially reaching dangerous levels.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management, Prime Minister Karki stated that all government agencies—including the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, administrative bodies, and health workers—are on full 24/7 standby to provide rescue, relief and emergency services despite adverse weather conditions.

She urged residents in high-risk areas to exercise caution to protect life and property and to follow official warnings and updates. The Prime Minister assured that the government will continue to provide timely information and alerts while coordinating with national and local authorities to deploy all available resources for citizen safety.

In view of the potential risks, the government has declared public holidays nationwide on Sunday and Monday.

Operation of long-haul vehicles suspended for three days amid disaster risks

Operations of long-distance vehicles and those entering or leaving the Kathmandu Valley have been suspended for three days starting today.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued a public notice citing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and the risk of floods, landslides, and other potential disasters. Vehicle operations are banned until Monday.

The notice urged commuters and transport operators to avoid travel except for emergencies and requested district officials and security agencies to monitor and enforce the restriction.

Authorities have stepped up preparations in response to the forecast. On Thursday, NDRRMA held a virtual meeting with chief district officers and senior officials nationwide. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal instructed agencies to complete all preparations, stay alert, and avoid past lapses that had fuelled public dissatisfaction.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. Sudden flooding is likely in rivers around Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, and Rautahat.

The Nepali Army has kept six helicopters on standby for relief and rescue operations. Police and Armed Police Force chiefs have confirmed full mobilisation of their forces. Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal directed district committees to suspend nighttime highway travel if needed, halt trekking activities, and relocate residents from high-risk areas.

The National Emergency Operations Centre will remain fully functional 24/7, and emergency warehouses are ready for immediate use, NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said.

Helicopters put on standby for disaster rescue; free services for Valley residents

In response to ongoing floods, landslides and other hazards caused by continuous heavy rainfall across Nepal, the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has announced that its member companies are on standby for rescue operations.

AOAN President Manoj Karki said in a statement on Saturday that all affiliated helicopter companies are prepared to respond immediately in disaster situations.

Residents affected by disasters within the Kathmandu Valley will receive free rescue services from member companies. To ensure smooth and effective operations, the association has requested the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to appoint coordination officers at Tribhuvan International Airport (Gauchar, Kathmandu).

Rescue operations will be conducted under the guidance of these officers, and all companies will remain alert to provide necessary support and assistance.