Cyclone Arnab: all government bodies told to stay prepared, key highways may be hit

The government has directed all its agencies to remain on high alert and stay prepared in view of the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab.

According to a notice issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday, the cyclone is likely to bring rain, snowfall and, in some places, strong winds. The cyclone is expected to weaken by the time it reaches Nepal.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, heavy rain or snowfall is likely at one or two places in the mountainous and hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces tomorrow. Heavy rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the hilly and Tarai areas of Madhesh, Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. The department has said rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is possible at some places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini.

The Flood Forecasting Section and the Geohazards and Water-Induced Disaster Research Section have issued advance warnings. They say rainfall in the Narayani, Bagmati and Koshi river basins could raise the risk of landslides on highways. Hilly and sloped road sections face the danger of landslides, falling rocks and road subsidence, while river-adjacent sections face flood and erosion risk, the notice said.

The Department of Tourism, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and district administration offices have urged tourists, mountaineers, travellers and the general public to remain alert.

Following the weather warning, the number of tourists returning from Mustang has increased. According to the District Police Office, Mustang, about 2,800 tourists entered and about 3,300 left through the Ghasa checkpoint on Wednesday.