Cyclone Arnab weakens toward Nepal: rain, snow from Wednesday, districts on alert

Under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, formed over the Bay of Bengal, rain is likely in many parts of Nepal and snowfall in high mountain areas from Thursday evening, Kartik 12, through Saturday, Kartik 14.

According to senior meteorologist Bibhuti Pokharel of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the system, currently an extremely severe cyclonic storm, will weaken after making landfall near Visakhapatnam in India, and its remnants are expected to move toward Nepal.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, light to moderate rain, with heavy rain in some places, along with wind and thunder, is likely in Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces on Friday and Saturday. The authority said some areas of Karnali and Sudurpashchim could also see rain.

The authority said there is a risk of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and snow avalanches in high hill and mountain areas. Pokharel said those engaged in tourism activities in the mountain regions should take special precautions.

The District Administration Office in Makawanpur has urged people to bring in their paddy before Wednesday and to avoid non-essential night travel on the Tribhuvan Highway and Kanti Lokpath. The Morang administration has also asked residents of riverbank and flood-prone areas to remain highly alert.

Pokharel said that while there is no need to panic, caution is necessary.