India, Nepal: Severe weather forecast through Oct. 22 in northeastern India and Nepal /update 2

Event

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to affect portions of northeastern India and Nepal through at least Oct. 22. As of Oct. 20, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and northern West Bengal states, while 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 red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings for Churiya, Kankai, Koshi, Mahakali, and Narayani basins. Authorities warn of heavy rain over Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini, Province 1, and Sudurpashchim provinces through Oct. 22. Light-to-moderate rain is likely across the rest of Nepal through Oct. 22. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Reports indicate at least 47 fatalities in Uttarakhand State and two fatalities in Uttar Pradesh State, India, due to heavy rain. Around 18 people have also died in Nepal, including nine in Doti District, Sudurpashchim Province. Flooding has reportedly impacted the main substation in Duhabi Municipality of Sunsari District, Province 1, in Nepal, resulting in power outages in Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Sunsari, Taplejung, and Terhathum districts in the province.

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, while landslides could block roads and railways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

In Uttarakhand State, India, landslides have reportedly blocked the Rishikesh-Badrinath and Badrinath National highways and the link road of Khankhra-Khedakhal-Khirsu. Landslides had also blocked all three access roads - the Nainital-Bhowali, Nainital-Haldwani, and Nainital-Kaladhungi roads - to Nainital, cutting access to the town; the Nainital-Kaladhungi road has reopened as of Oct. 20. Additionally, waters from the Gaula River have washed away the only railway track at Kathgodam station. Officials stated that track repairs would begin after floodwaters recede.

In Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal, landslides have obstructed the Bhimdatta Highway in Doti District, the Chaukhutte-Achham-Bajura road section in Achham District, the Jayaprithvi Highway in Bajhang District, and the Martadi-Kolti and Sanphe-Martadi road sections in Bajura District. The Beni-Mustang road at Myagdi District, Gandaki Province, is also impassable. Flooding at Biratnagar Airport (BIR) has affected flight operations; Buddha Air Airline has canceled all Kathmandu-Biratnagar flight services through at least Oct. 20.

Further disruptions to rail transport are possible where floodwaters inundate tracks. Hazardous weather conditions might cause additional 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