Kathmandu – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has requested people not to travel in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces for the next four days unless absolutely necessary.

The authority has urged the public to avoid long-distance travel from Friday, Ashoj 17 (October 3) to Monday, Ashoj 20 (October 6), unless it is urgent. The request follows a warning from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, which has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts of these five provinces during this period.

According to the authority, water levels in the Bagmati, Kamala, and Koshi rivers could reach danger levels, requiring extra caution. The notice highlights high risks of sudden flooding in small rivers of Bagmati Province (Kathmandu Valley, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, Makwanpur, Chitwan), Koshi Province (Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang), and Madhesh Province (Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and nearby areas).

The authority has advised:

Avoiding travel far from home or at night unless absolutely necessary.

District Disaster Management Committees to decide on suspending vehicle movement based on rainfall and road conditions, and to enforce such decisions.

Residents in landslide-prone and riverside settlements to remain highly alert.

People living in flood-prone areas to identify safe and higher ground, inform others, and move to safety if needed.

NDRRMA has also called on all three security agencies, local governments, volunteers, and other stakeholders to remain on standby for response. Heavy equipment like dozers, excavators, and loaders should be kept ready for immediate deployment on risky highways and roads. The authority urged partner organizations to coordinate closely with District and Local Disaster Management Committees, remain alert, and support preparedness and response efforts.