District administration offices in Jhapa, Dhankuta, Sunsari and Makwanpur have urged residents to take high precautions as Cyclone Arnav, formed in the Bay of Bengal, raises the risk of heavy rain, windstorms, flooding and landslides across eastern and central Nepal. Citing weather bulletins from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, officials warned of moderate to heavy rainfall, thunder and windstorms in Koshi Province from Kartik 12 to 14. They also asked residents to follow local notices and take steps to protect themselves, their homes and crops during the warning period.
Rain and wind warnings across the region
The alerts cover Jhapa, Dhankuta and Sunsari in the east, as well as Makwanpur in central Nepal. The district offices have called for high alert as the cyclone’s influence raises the possibility of adverse weather. The forecast for Koshi Province specifically includes moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunder and windstorms during Kartik 12 to 14. The notices highlight that these conditions could create hazards beyond the immediate effects of rainfall, including sudden rises in rivers and streams and disruption to travel.
Authorities have warned of possible flash floods in rivers and streams, inundation in vulnerable areas, and landslides that could block roads in the Chure and hill regions. Residents near waterways and in areas exposed to flooding or slope failures have been urged to remain cautious. The risk of roads being obstructed is also a concern for people planning journeys, particularly where rain could trigger landslides. Officials’ warnings focus on preparedness during the period of unsettled weather rather than waiting for flooding or road blockages to occur.
Farmers receive district-specific advice
The offices have issued different guidance to farmers depending on local conditions. In Jhapa, farmers have been asked not to harvest ripe paddy immediately. The advice is intended to discourage harvesting during the period when rain and windstorms are forecast, while residents monitor further updates from local authorities.
In Makwanpur, authorities have told residents to bring in paddy by Wednesday and to avoid long journeys. The instruction reflects the district’s concern about heavy rainfall and the possibility of difficult travel conditions. People making plans in the district have been asked to take the weather warning into account, while farmers are encouraged to complete the specified harvest preparations before conditions worsen.
Residents urged to stay alert
The alerts from Jhapa, Dhankuta, Sunsari and Makwanpur underline the need for residents to pay attention to official updates as Cyclone Arnav’s effects are monitored. The weather bulletins cited by the administrations point to rain, thunder and windstorms in Koshi Province during the stated warning window, while the disaster authority’s guidance has informed concerns about flooding and landslides. The potential impacts include both immediate danger from fast-rising water and disruption from inundation or blocked roads.
Residents are advised to take the warnings seriously, remain cautious around rivers and streams, and avoid unnecessary long-distance travel where conditions may become unsafe. Farmers should follow the instructions issued for their district, including the separate paddy guidance in Jhapa and Makwanpur. With flash floods, inundation and landslides identified as possible hazards, local administrations have asked people to maintain high precautions as the forecast period approaches.
