Nepal suspends trekking permits for three days as heavy snowfall and avalanche risks threaten Himalayan regions…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Nepal’s Department of Immigration has suspended the issuance of trekking permits for restricted areas in high-hill and Himalayan regions for October 29-31, citing forecasts of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches.
The decision follows a warning from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, which urged tourists to avoid travelling to the affected areas during the three-day period.
A special post-monsoon bulletin issued by the Nepal Meteorological Department said Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal was gaining strength and was expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and a high risk of snowfall and avalanches across several parts of Nepal.
The Department of Immigration, which issues trekking permits to foreign nationals visiting restricted areas, also advised trekkers who had already obtained permits to suspend their journeys during the period to minimise risks.
“Those who have already set out on their treks are urged to remain in safe locations,” the department said in a statement.
It also called on trekking agencies, trekkers, guides and other stakeholders to comply with the advisory and follow safety instructions.
The disaster management authority separately urged tourists and residents to take precautions, warning that road and air transport services, along with other aspects of daily life, could be disrupted by the adverse weather.
It advised people to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from high-risk locations, particularly riverbanks that could be affected by flooding.
“People should avoid staying in high-risk areas, particularly along riverbanks that may be affected by potential flooding,” the authority said.
The agency also urged the public to monitor weather forecasts and early warnings issued by the disaster management authority, the Nepal Meteorological Department and other relevant government agencies.
The latest warnings come amid heightened concerns over natural disasters in Nepal following devastating floods on August 26. The floods were triggered by the formation and subsequent breach of a natural dam after an avalanche blocked a river near the Nepal-China border.
According to the disaster management authority, the disaster killed around 1,500 people, while more than 5,000 remain missing.
The floods swept away settlements, roads, bridges and power infrastructure, causing extensive damage across affected areas. The World Bank estimated the physical damage at around $1.66 billion.
The latest advisory underscores the risks posed by extreme weather in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where heavy snowfall, avalanches and flooding can threaten lives, disrupt transport and leave travellers stranded.
Authorities have urged trekkers, tourism operators and the public to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary journeys during the period of heightened weather risk.
