The Cyclone ‘Mocha’ developing over the Bay of Bengal is expected to affect weather in Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces of Nepal from Thursday to Saturday, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).
The system may bring moderate rainfall to most areas of Madhesh and Koshi provinces, and some areas of Bagmati province. Heavy rainfall is possible in isolated locations of Madhesh and Koshi provinces, while light rain may occur in some eastern parts of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.
With the cyclone active, moderate snowfall is also expected in some high-altitude and mountainous areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces, and a few high-altitude areas of Gandaki province. Heavy snowfall is possible in isolated high-altitude locations of Koshi and Bagmati provinces, DHM spokesperson Vibhuti Pokharel said.
During this period, the flow in rivers such as Bagmati, Kamala, Koshi, and Kankai, along with their tributaries, is expected to increase significantly, potentially reaching alert levels. Sudden surges are likely in small rivers and streams flowing through the Mahabharat and Chure ranges in Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces.
Particularly, the Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Sindhuli in Bagmati, Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, Dhanusha, and Saptari in Madhesh, and Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari in Koshi are at high risk of sudden water surges in small rivers.
The DHM warned that potential rainfall and snowfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, and other hazards, impacting daily life, road and air transport, agriculture, and tourism, and urged all authorities and the general public to remain vigilant.
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