Kathmandu, Sept 22: The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Law and Cooperatives under the Bagmati Province government has urged the public to remain on high alert against a forecast of heavy rainfall in various areas of the province from September 25 to 27.
Issuing a public notice today, the Ministry has called for taking necessary precautions and preparedness against the potential rain-induced risk.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is likely in various parts of Bagmati Province during this period.
The Ministry warns that heavy rainfall could cause water levels in rivers and streams to rise, posing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and inundation. Likewise, due to rains, roadways and flights are likely to be affected and amidst this possibility, the public have been urged to take updates of roadways and weather before travel.
People residing along the riverbanks, areas which are prone to landslides and inundation, and which are sloppy to take special prevention against the weather adversity.
They have been urged to move to nearby safer areas and coordinate with the local levels and security bodies if any sign of danger is noticed.
Similarly, the public have been advised to avoid long-distance and night-time travel unless it is an absolute need and to pay special attention to the safety of children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and those who are ill.
The Ministry has called for ensuring a safe shelter for livestock and the storage of food supplies, medicines, important documents, and other essential items.
Relevant province governments, local levels, security agencies, volunteers, and other stakeholders have been directed to remain alert and make necessary preparations. They have been also directed to ensure the timely relocation of at-risk citizens to safe areas if it is needed.
The Ministry has wanted one and all to regularly monitor official forecasts, early warnings, and alerts issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the federal government, province governments, local levels, and security agencies, and to follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
The public can contact the numbers 1155 (general information), 1234 (disaster assistance), 100 (Nepal Police), and 1114 (Armed Police Force, Nepal), or the mobile number 9769761214 (Ministry’s disaster focal person) for accessing for information related to rainfall and floods.
The Ministry has also the citizens to refrain from believing and spreading rumours, relying on official sources of information. (RSS)
-TRN Online