The weather system is expected to affect much of Nepal through Saturday, raising concerns for farmers preparing to harvest paddy and trekkers heading to the Himalayas.

Weather officials warn of very heavy rain in parts of Lumbini and Gandaki, while 12 districts face a high risk of flooding.

Falling bird numbers and species diversity across major wetlands point to the growing risks for a migration corridor that links Nepal to breeding and wintering grounds across Asia.

The endangered yellow-rumped bird is among 74 species recorded during a recent expedition.

Ornithologists say the rare bird, found only in Nepal, has now been confirmed across all seven provinces after a sighting in Bara district.

Authorities confirm H5N1 strain in over 50 crows discovered earlier at Tribhuvan University premises.