Government Directives Issued Amid Severe Weather Risks

KATHMANDU — Authorities in Nepal have announced a temporary suspension of trekking permits for restricted high-hill and Himalayan regions. The emergency restriction, effective from October 29 through October 31, comes in response to mounting concerns over heavy snowfall, severe snowstorms, and high avalanche risks.

The decisive move follows an urgent public safety warning issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), which strongly advised tourists and locals to avoid non-essential travel to high-altitude zones throughout the three-day period.

According to a special post-monsoon meteorological bulletin, Cyclone Arnab has been gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal, threatening to unleash torrential rainfall, powerful gales, and treacherous weather conditions across vast swathes of the Himalayan nation.

Department of Immigration Urges Immediate Caution

In an official statement, Nepal's Department of Immigration—the governing body responsible for issuing permits to foreign nationals visiting restricted areas—has formally urged all trekkers currently holding permits to postpone their expeditions.

"Those who have already set out on their treks are urged to remain in safe locations," the Department stated, emphasizing that trekking agencies, professional mountain guides, and other tourism stakeholders must strictly comply with the safety notices.

The disaster management authority has also warned that deteriorating weather conditions threaten to disrupt domestic road and air transport networks. Officials have urged the public to steer clear of vulnerable geographies, specifically highlighting the severe hazard of rising riverbanks prone to flash flooding.

Heightened Sensitivity Following Recent Disasters

Today's preventive measures underscore heightened vigilance across Nepal following a catastrophic natural disaster earlier this year. On August 26, massive floods were triggered when a massive avalanche blocked a trans-boundary river near the Nepal-China border, resulting in the formation and subsequent breach of a natural dam.

That disaster claimed approximately 1,500 lives, while more than 5,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to official figures released by the disaster authority. The flash floods devastated entire settlements, wiping out vital road networks, bridges, and power infrastructure. Independent economic assessments by the World Bank estimated the total physical damages at roughly $1.66 billion.

As volatile weather patterns continue to challenge the region, government agencies are urging all travelers and residents in mountainous districts to closely monitor official weather forecasts and adhere strictly to early warning advisories.