KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday evening addressed the nation, calling for high alert as continuous rainfall across the country has triggered risks of floods, landslides, and inundation.

Highlighting forecasts that heavy rainfall is likely to persist for another two days, the Prime Minister urged citizens to remain cautious.

She noted that water levels in many rivers and streams have already reached the warning threshold and could rise to dangerous levels if downpours continue.

“In this challenging time, I want to assure all citizens that government bodies are fully prepared to carry out rescue and relief operations, even under adverse conditions, with determination and readiness,” Karki said in her address.

She informed that the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, health workers, and other service agencies have been mobilized round the clock for emergency response.

The government, she said, is deploying all available resources and manpower in coordination with local governments and communities.

Monitoring of key highways and infrastructure is underway, the Prime Minister added, with a commitment to reopen road links as soon as conditions permit.

Appealing directly to the public, Karki said: “Wherever you are, stay safe and encourage others to remain safe. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Avoid crossing floodwaters or landslide-prone areas.”

She also urged residents in flood- and landslide-risk zones to prioritize safety of life and property, and to follow official alerts and instructions issued by police and disaster management authorities.

“Your safety is our foremost concern. The full resources of the state are with you. You are not alone in this difficult time,” she assured.

Taking into account the scale of disaster risk, the Prime Minister also announced that the government has decided to declare nationwide public holidays on October 5 and 6.