Nepal Grounds All Domestic Flights Due To Severe Rainfall Warning

Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has suspended all domestic flights until Saturday morning due to worsening weather conditions, according to a spokesperson. The decision follows a red alert issued by Nepal’s weather forecasting division, which warned of heavy rainfall and potential natural disasters across the country. The alert, lasting four days, places 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) responded by halting night-time vehicle operations for two days and advising against long-distance travel unless absolutely necessary.

The intensification of the ongoing monsoon, driven by water vapor from the Bay of Bengal and a regional low-pressure system, is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential storms, especially in the Terai region.

Residents in high-risk areas, particularly those near rivers or prone to landslides, have been advised to stay alert. Farmers in regions like Terai and Madhesh have been urged to avoid harvesting and store crops in safe areas to protect them from potential flooding.

Security forces and volunteers are on standby for search and rescue operations. Rising river levels and flooding could impact vital sectors such as agriculture, health, tourism, and transportation, officials warned.