Live updates: Persistent rainfall affects daily life across provinces

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is bringing moisture-laden air towards Nepal, increasing rainfall activity across the country. The system had been closely watched for its potential to intensify into Cyclone Arnab, but meteorological authorities now expect it to weaken gradually after moving inland while its influence continues to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of Nepal.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of heavy rainfall in several provinces through the coming days, raising the risk of floods, landslides and inundation. With several areas still vulnerable following recent disasters, authorities have stepped up monitoring, restricted travel on some roads and placed rescue and response mechanisms on standby.

Follow our live updates for the latest developments, warnings and preparedness measures. Here’s what we know as of now:

4:32 PM, September 24, 2026

Night travel restricted on Prithvi Highway

The District Administration Office, Dhading, has restricted vehicle movement on the Prithvi Highway between 8 pm Thursday and 5 am Friday amid continuous rainfall and the risk of landslides and flooding. The administration has urged travellers and drivers to check weather and road conditions before setting out, avoid vulnerable sections and follow safety instructions from authorities.

The Narayangarh–Muglin road has also been closed overnight because of the risk posed by continuous rainfall and possible landslides. Chitwan Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal said the road would remain closed from 8 pm Thursday to 5 am next day, with conditions to be assessed in the morning before deciding whether the restriction needs to continue.

Major rivers expected to rise over next five days

The Flood Forecasting Division has warned that water levels in major river systems could rise over the next five days as rainfall intensifies.

The Koshi, Narayani, Karnali and Mahakali systems, along with the Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, East Rapti, West Rapti and Babai, are among those being monitored. The Narayani system includes the Narayani, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti and Kali Gandaki rivers.

Authorities have also warned of possible flash floods in smaller rivers and streams, particularly across areas stretching from Taplejung to Kanchanpur.

Rainfall activity expected to increase through Saturday

Meteorologist David Dhakal said rainfall activity is expected to increase through Saturday as moisture-laden air reaches Nepal from a weather system that developed after a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal moved inland over India.

Rain has been recorded across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces over the past 24 hours, with Palpa, Arghakhanchi and Kapilvastu receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Rainfall is expected to intensify on Friday, with heavy snowfall possible in parts of the Himalayan regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki. By Saturday, the rainfall system is expected to shift westward, with heavy snowfall possible in the Himalayan regions of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim.

Dhakal said the forecast does not warrant excessive fear but called for continued vigilance and regular weather updates.

Districts step up preparedness

District administrations and local governments across the country have begun strengthening preparedness measures as forecasts warn of heavy rainfall. Rescue teams, heavy equipment, boats and relief materials have been placed on standby in several districts, while authorities are monitoring rivers, landslide-prone roads and settlements vulnerable to inundation.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority is coordinating with government agencies on preparedness, early warning, rescue and response. Authorities have urged people living near rivers and unstable slopes to remain alert and move to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.

Kulekhani reservoir placed under closer watch

The Makwanpur administration has intensified monitoring around the Kulekhani reservoir following forecasts of heavy rainfall. Three sirens have been installed around the reservoir and hydropower area: at the dam, the Sisneri police post and the rural municipality office. 

Kulekhani First Hydropower Centre chief Prahlad Raut said the reservoir’s water level was around 1,522.25 metres, below the first warning level of 1,527 metres. Authorities have established multiple warning levels as the reservoir rises, with additional warnings planned if the dam gates need to be opened. The administration has also urged downstream communities to remain alert.

Koshi Province places road offices on high alert

The Koshi Province government has instructed all 14 district offices under its Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development to remain on high alert amid the rainfall forecast. Staff, machinery and equipment have been kept ready to respond to damage to roads and other infrastructure. The ministry has also asked local governments and other stakeholders to coordinate rescue and relief operations and to monitor vulnerable roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Chitwan urges people to avoid unnecessary night travel

The District Administration Office, Chitwan, has urged people to avoid long-distance travel at night unless necessary as heavy rainfall is forecast for the coming days. Travellers have been asked to check road conditions with security agencies or local authorities before leaving. The administration has also warned people living along rivers and in flood-prone areas to relocate if necessary.

Hotels, restaurants, schools and factories located near rivers or other vulnerable areas have been advised to be prepared for possible short-notice closure if conditions worsen.

Jhapa prepares for possible flooding

The Jhapa District Disaster Management Committee has intensified preparations ahead of a forecast spell of heavy rainfall from September 24 to 28. Security personnel have been placed on alert, while rescue equipment, dozers, excavators, loaders, boats, tarpaulins and relief supplies have been kept ready.

Authorities have identified several flood- and inundation-prone areas, including parts of Jhapa Rural Municipality, Gauriganj, Gauradaha, Shivashatakshi and Bhadrapur. The Kankai, Mai, Biring, Ratuwa, Mawa, Ninda and Kamal rivers are being monitored. Nepal Red Cross Jhapa has also prepared sirens and public-address systems and will coordinate relocation to safer areas if necessary.

Kathmandu prepares rescue teams and equipment

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has activated its disaster-management response mechanism in preparation for heavy rainfall. KMC has prepared six rafting boats, six water pumps and five jet machines, while 200 municipal police personnel have been kept ready for rescue operations.

Eighteen municipal staff will be assigned daily to respond to inundation, while 300 sanitation workers will continue drain and waterway cleaning. Some schools have also been inspected as possible temporary holding centres if evacuation becomes necessary.

Kaski restricts night buses and trekking

The Kaski District Disaster Management Committee has introduced precautionary measures as heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast. Night buses travelling from Kaski to other districts have been stopped from Thursday through Sunday. Authorities have also asked vehicles in rural areas to avoid travel after 4 pm. Trekking has been temporarily banned, with trekkers asked to return through tourism organisations.

Hospitals, the Red Cross, ambulances and health workers have been placed on standby, while helicopter operators have also been alerted. Authorities have urged people to avoid rivers and streams and unnecessary long-distance travel.

Night travel restricted on Besisahar–Chame road

Authorities have restricted night-time vehicle movement on the Lamjung section of the Besisahar–Chame road because of the risk of floods and landslides. Vehicles will not be allowed to operate between 7 pm and 6 am during the restriction period. The administration has urged travellers to follow weather and road-condition updates and avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rainfall.

Ilam closes two highways at night

The Ilam administration has announced night-time closures on the Mechi Highway and the Mechi Corridor because of the forecast of heavy rainfall. The restrictions will apply from 7 pm to 5 am. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to operate in coordination with nearby security agencies. The administration said the decision was taken because both roads already face risks from poor road conditions and landslides.

The Mechi Highway connects Jhapa with Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung, while the Mechi Corridor is still under construction.

Authorities urge vigilance as rainfall intensifies

Authorities across the country are urging residents to monitor official weather and disaster warnings as rainfall is expected to intensify over the coming days. People living near rivers, streams and unstable slopes have been advised to remain alert to rising water levels, landslides and other signs of danger. Travellers have been asked to check road conditions before setting out and avoid crossing flooded roads or travelling through landslide-prone areas when conditions deteriorate.