Nepal Braces for Heavy Rainfall as Cyclone Arnab Approaches

Nepal is preparing for widespread weather disruptions as Cyclone Arnab, a system developing in the Bay of Bengal, moves toward the country. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology expects the impact to begin Wednesday with light rain in eastern Nepal, intensifying significantly from Thursday through Saturday. While Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces may experience moderate conditions, the rest of the country faces heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Meteorologist Binod Pokharel warned that the system’s interaction with a western low-pressure front and the Northeast Monsoon could trigger severe weather, potentially mirroring the impact of the 2014 Hudhud cyclone.

Authorities have issued urgent advisories to mitigate damage. The National Agricultural Research Council has urged farmers to finalize paddy harvests by Tuesday to avoid crop loss. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has advised against trekking and mountaineering in high-altitude regions from October 28 to November 1, with officials considering further travel restrictions if conditions deteriorate.