South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, Oct 28: Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged trekking guides, trekkers and entire tourists to take precautions against possible impacts of Cyclone Arnab which has developed in the Bay of Bengal. Citing notices issued by Nepal Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), TAAN has urged all concerned to take precautions against possible consequences from the cyclone. According to forecasts, the cyclone will enter Indian territory today or October 28, with its effects likely to be felt in Nepal from the night of October 29. The cyclone is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, along with lightning and strong winds across various parts of the Tarai, Chure and mid-hill regions on October 30 and 31. Furthermore, the high hills and Mountainous regions are highly likely to experience heavy snowball, blizzards and avalanches. Upon such predictions, TAAN has urged its members to inform their guides, support staff, and tourists on time about the potential impacts of the cyclone and to ensure necessary preparedness. Similarly, anyone can dial up at 1115 for weather-related information, at 01234 or 100 or 1114 for any help during potential adversity. People who are presently at base camps (such as Ghorad, Larke, Kadla, Saribund, Chhola and Suryakunda) and other high-altitude tourist destinations including the Tilocho lake to move to safer locations and halt the travel towards the destinations from October 31. Those travelling to base camps for mountain expeditions have been advised to suspend their journeys until coming Friday and Saturday and arrange safe accommodation until the risk prevails. Similarly, trekkers travelling the mid-hills, high-hill regions, or along river corridors have been urged to avoid staying in or passing through areas vulnerable to landslides, as well as areas near streams and rivers at risk of flooding. Given this weather adversity and its potential impacts, TAAN President Sagar Pandey has called for exercising extreme caution when traveling along roads, trekking trails, and temporary bridges in several areas. These include areas in the Manaslu region such as Tatopani, Khorlabesi, Jagat, Sola, and Namrung, as well as areas in the Manang region like Khotro, Koto, and Chame, and in the Myagdi and Mustang regions, including Pokhare. These routes have recently been reopened for trekking following temporary repairs as they were damaged by floods and landslides. —