Authorities have decided to halt traffic on the Kavrepalanchok section of the BP Highway at night from September 24 to 28, citing the risk of floods and landslides.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Monsoon Response Command Post in Kavrepalanchok on Wednesday. Vehicles will be barred from using the highway section between 5 pm and 5 am during the five days, Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari said.

The administration decided to restrict vehicles because rain could trigger floods, landslides and road blockages at several points along the highway, Adhikari said. Allowing vehicles to operate in high-risk areas at night could also make rescue operations and traffic management more difficult, he said.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also urged the public to postpone long-distance travel from September 25 to 27 because prolonged rainfall during the period could increase the risk of floods and landslides.

The administration may take further decisions on traffic and road operations depending on the situation, officials said. It has also begun warning residents in settlements along rivers and in areas prone to landslides.

Settlements around the Sunkoshi, Bhotekoshi, Roshi, Khani and Bagmati rivers have been identified as particularly vulnerable, Adhikari said.

“Floods and landslides cannot always be prevented, but preparations can help prevent loss of life,” he said. “Through local disaster management committees, elected representatives and the police, we are warning people in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations and are prepared to relocate them if necessary.”

The impact of the potential cyclone and the amount of rainfall it could bring are not yet certain, Adhikari said. Weather forecasts indicate that particular caution will be needed from September 25 to 27, but authorities have urged residents to remain alert from September 24.

A meeting of the district security committee has been held, and security agencies have been placed on high alert, he said. Joint teams from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have also been using loudspeakers to warn residents in vulnerable areas.