Cyclone “Montha” likely to affect Nepal from October 30

The tropical cyclone Montha, which has developed in the Bay of Bengal, is expected to enter India’s Andhra Pradesh tonight, October 28, 2025 (Tuesday). After landfall, the system is likely to gradually weaken while moving north-northwest and approach central Nepal as a low-pressure area, shifting eastward.

Issuing a press release today, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has stated Nepal’s Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces are expected to experience weather impacts from the afternoon of October 30 (Thursday) through the morning of November 1 (Saturday).

Moderate rainfall is likely in many areas of Madhesh and Koshi provinces, and in some parts of Bagmati Province. Heavy rainfall is also possible in isolated locations in Madhesh and Koshi provinces. Light rainfall may occur in the eastern parts of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.

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Western winds and cyclone ‘Montha’ trigger regional weather alerts

Snowfall is expected in high-altitude and mountainous areas of Bagmati and Koshi provinces, as well as in some high-altitude areas of Gandaki Province, with moderate snowfall in several locations and heavy snowfall in a few areas.

DHM’s current analyses indicate that river flows in Bagmati, Kamala, Koshi, and Kankai rivers, along with their tributaries, are likely to increase significantly, reaching alert levels. Sudden flash floods may occur in small rivers and streams, especially in the Mahabharat and Chure ranges of Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces.

Districts at higher risk of flash flooding include:

Bagmati Province: Kathmandu Valley, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Sindhuli

Madhesh Province: Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Saptari

Koshi Province: Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari

Ilam is one of the most heavily affected districts during the recent monsoon-induced disasters from October 3 to 6, which claimed 53 lives in total throughout the country, including at least 39 in Ilam alone.

According to DHM, it continues to monitor the system and provide regular updates. Residents and relevant authorities are urged to remain alert and follow advisories, as heavy rainfall and snowfall may trigger flash floods, landslides, and disruptions to daily life, road and air transport, agriculture, and tourism.