Kathmandu: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged the public to remain on high alert on Saturday and Sunday as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across several parts of Nepal.

According to the authority, hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces are likely to receive very heavy rainfall over the next two days, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.

The authority warned that more than 23 districts face a high risk of flooding. The districts identified as highly vulnerable are Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Terhathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi and Syangja.

Residents in these districts have been advised not to travel at night, while authorities said vehicular movement may be suspended at any time depending on the weather conditions.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the country’s hill and mountain regions, as well as in the Tarai areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces, with isolated heavy rainfall also expected in the Tarai of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.

The NDRRMA warned that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, riverbank erosion, debris flows, and urban and lowland inundation, urging people to take necessary precautions and complete preparedness measures.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Forecasting Division has issued a special weather bulletin, calling on the public to remain vigilant over the next two days.