India, Nepal: Severe weather forecast through Oct. 20 in northern India and Nepal /update 1

Event

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to affect portions of northern India and Nepal through at least Oct. 20. As of Oct. 19, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red (the highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorm for Sikkim and northern West Bengal states through Oct. 19. Orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings are in place for Assam, Bihar, and Meghalaya states through Oct. 19. Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm alerts are in effect for the rest of the affected area through at least Oct. 20.

The Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) river warning over Mahakali Basin in Dadeldhura District, Sudurpashchim Province while yellow river watches are in place for Karnali Basin at Achham and Kailali districts in Sudurpashchim Province. Red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings are in place for Gandaki, Kankai, Karnali, Koshi, Mahakali, Narayani, and West Seti basins. Authorities have warned of heavy rain over Bagmati and Sudurpashchim provinces through Oct. 19 and Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Province 1, and Sudurpashchim provinces through Oct. 20. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Reports indicate that at least 17 people have died in Uttarakhand State, India due to the heavy rain.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Landslides could block roads and railways. The Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway and Badrinath National Highway as well as the link road of Khankhra-Khedakhal-Khirsu are blocked due to landslides. Nainital city is cut off from the rest of Uttarakhand State due to landslides blocking all three access roads, the Nainital-Bhowali, Nainital-Haldwani, and Nainital-Kaladhungi roads.

Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Further disruptions to rail transport are possible where floodwaters inundate tracks. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Advice

Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

India Meteorological Department
Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology