Nepal

Tikapur schools shut as flood, inundation risks rise after rain

By Tekendra Deuba

Photo: Magnific

Key Takeaways:

  • All community and institutional schools in Tikapur will remain closed on Friday
  • The decision was taken due to flood and inundation risks linked to continuous rainfall
  • The municipality cited a special weather bulletin forecasting heavy rain from Sept. 25–27
  • Several schools in Dhangadhi have also opted for closure amid worsening weather conditions
DHANGADHI, SEPTEMBER 25 Tikapur Municipality has declared a one-day holiday for all community and institutional schools on Friday, citing increased risks of flooding and inundation following continuous rainfall. According to a notice issued by the municipality's Education, Youth and Sports Section on September 24, all schools operating within the municipality will remain closed as a precautionary measure. The municipality said the decision was taken after the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued a special weather bulletin warning of a high likelihood of heavy rainfall across the country from September 25 to 27. Officials said continuing classes under the prevailing weather conditions could pose safety risks to students, teachers and school staff. The municipality has instructed schools to adjust the closure against their local holiday quota. Chief Administrative Officer Mamata Bastola urged all community and institutional schools to comply with the decision. Meanwhile, a number of community schools in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City have also announced a holiday for Friday. The sub-metropolitan city has left the decision to individual schools, allowing them to assess local weather and risk conditions before deciding whether to suspend classes. The closures come as authorities across Sudurpashchim and other provinces remain on high alert amid forecasts of continuing heavy rainfall, with concerns over flooding, inundation and landslides in vulnerable areas.