Kathmandu:Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged trekkers, guides, and tourists to take precautions against potential impacts of Cyclone Arnab, which has developed in the Bay of Bengal.
According to National News Agency RSS, TAAN is acting on warnings from the Nepal Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), advising all concerned parties to prepare for the cyclone’s effects.
Forecasts indicate that Cyclone Arnab will enter Indian territory today or by October 28, with its impact expected in Nepal from the night of October 29. The cyclone is anticipated to cause moderate to heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds across the Tarai, Chure, and mid-hill regions on October 30 and 31. Additionally, heavy snowfall, blizzards, and avalanches are likely in high hills and mountainous areas.
TAAN has emphasized the importance of timely communication with guides, support staff, and tourists regarding the cyclone’s potential impacts and ensuring necessary preparedness. Individuals can contact 1115 for weather updates and 01234, 100, or 1114 for assistance during adverse conditions.
Those currently at base camps such as Ghorad, Larke, Kadla, Saribund, Chhola, and Suryakunda, as well as high-altitude tourist sites like Tilocho Lake, are advised to relocate to safer areas and halt travel from October 31. Travelers to mountain base camps are recommended to delay their trips until the following Friday and Saturday and secure safe accommodations.
Trekkers in mid-hill and high-hill areas or near river corridors are urged to avoid landslide-prone regions and areas near streams and rivers at risk of flooding. TAAN President Sagar Pandey has called for extreme caution when traversing roads, trails, and temporary bridges, particularly in the Manaslu, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang regions, where paths have been recently repaired following flood and landslide damage.