International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kathmandu, September 24: The Nepal government has urged schools across the country to remain closed from September 24 to September 27 following warnings of heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) have forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, snowfall and thunderstorms in several parts of the country during this period.

Based on the latest forecast issued by the NDRRMA, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has asked all Education Development and Coordination Units to coordinate with local authorities and declare school holidays wherever necessary. The ministry issued the directive on Thursday in view of the potential risks posed by the deteriorating weather conditions.

According to a notice issued by ministry Assistant Secretary Shree Prasad Bhattarai, the adverse weather could lead to a range of hazards, including floods, landslides, waterlogging, riverbank erosion and road blockages. The authorities have urged the public not to panic but to remain prepared and exercise caution as the weather situation develops.

The ministry has placed particular emphasis on the safety of students, children, teachers and school staff. Education authorities have been instructed to coordinate with local administrations and provide the necessary support for suspending classes in areas where weather conditions could pose a threat to public safety.

The government has also asked universities and other agencies responsible for conducting examinations to postpone scheduled examinations during this period wherever necessary. The decision is aimed at reducing the risks faced by students and examination staff while travelling amid heavy rain, flooding, landslides and other weather-related disruptions.

The ministry has further issued instructions regarding the possible use of school buildings as temporary shelters in the event of a disaster. If safe school buildings are required to accommodate people affected by floods, landslides or other emergencies, the concerned authorities have been asked to cooperate and coordinate with local governments to ensure that the facilities can be used appropriately.

Authorities have also issued a special appeal to parents to take additional precautions to protect children during the period of adverse weather. Parents have been urged to ensure that children do not go near rivers, streams, ponds or areas vulnerable to landslides. Officials have stressed that children should remain away from potentially dangerous locations until weather conditions improve.

The precautionary measures come as Nepal prepares for potentially disruptive weather across several regions. Heavy rainfall in mountainous and low-lying areas can increase the risk of flash floods, landslides and road disruptions, creating difficulties for transportation and daily activities.

The government has therefore called for close coordination between education authorities, local administrations and other concerned agencies. Officials have advised people to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by the authorities rather than taking unnecessary risks.

With the heavy rain warning remaining in effect until September 27, schools and educational institutions have been asked to take decisions based on local weather conditions and safety requirements. The authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have urged citizens to remain cautious while avoiding unnecessary travel or movement in areas facing heightened risks from flooding, landslides and other weather-related hazards.