JHAPA: The risk of flooding and inundation has increased in Jhapa and other parts of the country due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, prompting the District Administration Office to urge the public to remain on high alert.
According to information from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Koshi Province is likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds from October 29 to 31.
With farmers in Jhapa rushing to harvest ripe paddy, the administration has urged them to exercise caution amid the adverse weather forecast. Farmers have been advised to postpone harvesting where possible and move already harvested paddy to safe locations.
The administration has warned that heavy rainfall could disrupt daily life, including road and air transport. It has advised people to avoid unnecessary long-distance travel and refrain from driving during heavy rain.
People have also been urged to stay away from streams and rivers prone to sudden flooding, avoid fishing along riverbanks and refrain from collecting firewood in potentially hazardous areas.
The administration has further cautioned the public against misleading information, urging them to rely only on official weather forecasts and updates issued by authorised agencies.
On Wednesday, the District Administration Office held an emergency meeting with security agencies and representatives of the Nepal Red Cross Society to discuss measures to minimise potential damage from the cyclone.
“Since heavy rainfall has been forecast due to the cyclone, we have taken all necessary precautions to prevent loss of life and property,” Chief District Officer Shravan Kumar Pokharel said after the meeting.
He added that local governments, security agencies, volunteers and other concerned bodies had been instructed to remain on high alert.
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