Nepal Cancels All Domestic Flights Amid Heavy Rainfall Alert

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) has announced the suspension of all domestic flights across the country until Saturday morning due to deteriorating weather conditions, as confirmed by a spokesperson on Friday.

This decision comes following a red alert issued by Nepal's weather forecasting division on Thursday, warning of heavy rainfall and the possibility of natural disasters nationwide. The alert, which will remain in effect for four days, has placed 56 of Nepal’s 77 districts on high alert for severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms.

In response to the red alert, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) has implemented several measures, suspending night-time vehicle operations for two days and advising the public to avoid long-distance travel unless absolutely necessary.

According to the forecasting division, the current monsoon is being intensified by moisture from the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a low-pressure system in the region. The forecast indicates that the monsoon conditions will affect the entire country, bringing light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and potential storms, particularly in the Terai region.

“Stay vigilant and take precautions.”

Meanwhile, the NDRRMA has also issued warnings for residents putting up in high-risk areas, especially those near rivers or prone to landslides. The agency has urged people in disaster-prone districts to “stay vigilant and take precautions.” Farmers in the Terai and Madhesh regions have been specifically advised not to harvest crops during this period and to store them in elevated areas to mitigate damage from potential flooding.

Moreover, security forces and volunteers have been placed on alert for possible search and rescue operations if needed. Officials have warned that rising river levels and floods could disrupt key sectors, including agriculture, health, tourism, and transportation.