Transport fully suspended in 25 districts again today, red alert areas added

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has recommended a complete day-and-night halt to vehicle movement in 25 districts on Saturday due to high risk of floods and landslides.

Following increased rainfall in western Nepal caused by a low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal, the authority has categorized all 77 districts into three levels: red, orange and yellow.

Districts on the red list include Darchula, Bajhang, Bajura, Kailali and Kanchanpur in Sudurpashchim, and Dolpa, Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu, Humla and Surkhet in Karnali.

Dang, Pyuthan, Rupandehi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, Banke and Bardiya in Lumbini, along with Manang, Mustang, Gorkha, Lamjung and Syangja in Gandaki, are also on the same list.

In nearly 30 districts marked orange, transport has been ordered halted at night, while daytime decisions will be made by district monsoon response command posts based on the situation. Districts marked yellow have been asked to remain alert.

According to the forecast of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, very heavy rainfall is possible at one or two places in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim. The probability of rain in Birendranagar, Nepalgunj and Pokhara stands at 90 percent.