Authorities have suspended night-time traffic on the Kanti Lokpath in Makwanpur district as persistent rain triggered by Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal raises the risk of floods and landslides.

Assistant Chief District Officer of Makwanpur Sheshkanta Poudel issued a notice on Friday urging the public to avoid travelling during hazardous hours and asking vehicle operators to comply with the restriction.

The District Administration Office imposed the restriction to reduce the risk of road accidents and prevent loss of life and property from possible floods and landslides.

According to the notice, vehicles will be barred from using the Kanti Lokpath from 5pm to 5am on Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31.

The administration said rainfall caused by Cyclone Arnab, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, had been affecting the district since October 29, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides along roads and highways.

It has urged all motorists and travellers using the route to follow the restriction.

Rain began in Makwanpur on Thursday night and has continued since Friday afternoon.