Kathmandu, Sept. 27: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged the public to remain highly cautious as heavy rainfall and strong winds continue to affect various parts of the country.

In a social media post on Saturday, Prime Minister Shah expressed condolences to those who lost their lives in rain-related disasters and extended sympathy to the bereaved families. He also wished those injured a speedy recovery, saying arrangements had been made for their free medical treatment.

The Prime Minister urged people living in or travelling through riverbank and hilly areas to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. He asked people to call the toll-free emergency number 1234 in case of an emergency.

Shah said the government was closely monitoring the spread of misinformation, violations of disaster victims’ privacy and black marketeering during the crisis. He stressed that disseminating misleading information during a disaster was unacceptable regardless of the intention behind it.

According to the Prime Minister, the government had begun preparations after the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and other agencies forecast heavy rainfall and strong winds in different parts of the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has been continuously issuing warnings and precautionary measures, including restrictions on night-time transport and the closure of schools.

The Prime Minister said the government was still engaged in recovery efforts following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa on August 26, but the country was now facing another disaster.

Authorities have also received reports of people going missing after an avalanche in Manang, with efforts underway to gather further details.

Shah said 439 monsoon-related incidents, including floods, landslides, inundation and lightning strikes, had been recorded across the country. Both urban and rural areas have been affected, while roads, bridges, hydropower projects and drinking water infrastructure have sustained damage.

He said the government’s immediate priority was to protect lives and ensure public safety. Security personnel have been deployed around the clock for search, rescue and recovery operations, including the rescue of people and livestock trapped by floods and landslides.

Temporary shelters have been arranged for affected families in coordination with local governments. Authorities are also disseminating safety information through various channels, while security personnel are using loudspeakers to issue warnings in affected areas.

The Prime Minister said early warnings had helped trekkers in mountain districts return safely and prevented students from being exposed to danger. He added that security agencies remained on standby to launch rescue operations whenever necessary.

Meanwhile, the East-West Highway has been closed as a precaution after a cruise ship swept away by the Narayani River became lodged against a bridge. Floods and landslides have also disrupted more than a dozen roads, including the Prithvi Highway, BP Highway and Kanti Highway, which connect the Kathmandu Valley with other parts of the country.

Shah said the government was working to repair damaged roads and restore transport services as quickly as possible.

The floods have also disrupted the supply of 1,013.2 megawatts of electricity to the national grid through the Kali Gandaki, Marsyangdi and Seti-Madi corridors. Hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 318 MW have stopped generation following the collapse of transmission-line towers.

Similarly, power generation from projects with a combined capacity of 695.2 MW has been suspended as a precautionary measure due to floods, landslides and associated risks. Technical teams have been deployed to affected areas to restore electricity supply.

High water levels in major rivers have also disrupted transportation in several areas. Rising water levels in the Mahakali River have affected cross-border movement between Nepal and India through Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur.

Authorities have urged residents living along riverbanks to remain alert, while special precautions are being taken in areas where water levels are rising. Transportation has also been halted in the Kulekhani area.

Prime Minister Shah said heavy rain accompanied by strong winds had caused significant damage to agricultural crops, including paddy, vegetables and other farm produce.