KATHMANDU, Sept 23: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed relevant agencies to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning measures in light of forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall from Sept 25 to 27.
Shrestha issued the directive during a visit to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Tuesday alongside Home Minister Sudan Gurung to assess the latest weather conditions and potential risks. He urged officials to work in an integrated and coordinated manner to enhance preparedness and ensure timely dissemination of early warnings.
“Work in close coordination and remain fully prepared through an integrated early warning system,” he told department officials.
The minister stressed that preparedness and early warning efforts should be carried out under the leadership of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Start circulating information to potentially affected areas immediately. Remain highly alert and ensure effective coordination,” he said, adding that preparations should be guided by assessments of the likely impacts in different regions.
Shrestha said the government has given special priority to preparedness and early warning systems in anticipation of the forecast weather event. He also urged sectors such as agriculture, tourism and transportation to take precautionary measures.
“On behalf of the government, I urge everyone to stay informed before travelling. It is the festive season, and people should seek updated information before undertaking any journey,” he said.
The basics of braces
The minister said rescue personnel and security forces have already been placed on standby in areas considered vulnerable. He noted that lessons learned from the recent Bhotekoshi flood disaster in Rasuwa had prompted authorities to place greater emphasis on preparedness this time.
“One concern is whether hydropower projects could face damage similar to what we recently witnessed. However, a positive development is that the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology now has a mechanism to share information promptly with private-sector stakeholders and the Nepal Electricity Authority,” he said.
Shrestha also underscored the need for strong coordination among all three tiers of government.
“It would be even more effective if the disaster authority works closely with district disaster management committees and local governments. Coordination with provincial governments must also be strengthened,” he said. “Please ensure that information flows smoothly and reaches those who need it.”
He further appealed to the public to remain informed throughout the Sept 25–27 period, alert their family members and communities, and follow advisories issued by the disaster authority.
Security agencies on high alert: Home Minister Gurung
Home Minister Gurung said the government has already initiated the necessary preparations.
“We are working on plans ranging from mobilising teams in riverbank areas to alerting citizens in vulnerable communities,” he said. “We have received briefings on the evolving situation and the measures that need to be put in place.”
Noting that only two days remain before the forecast weather event, Gurung urged all concerned agencies and the public to remain vigilant.
He said security agencies have been placed on high alert, rescue equipment has been readied and early warning messages are being disseminated through local governments.
The home minister also advised people to avoid trekking during the forecast period and urged those already on trekking routes to move to safer locations.
Gurung said representatives of all relevant agencies are stationed at the Disaster Command Post and instructed them to coordinate their activities through that mechanism.
Director General of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Dr Archana Shrestha and other officials briefed the two ministers on potential disaster risks.
According to the department, a western low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, as well as the Tarai region of Sudurpaschim Province.
Officials warned that areas identified as highly vulnerable could face significant risks and called for heightened vigilance and preparedness.
