KATHMANDU – The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu has issued an urgent travel advisory for all Sri Lankan nationals residing in or currently visiting Nepal following a series of devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains.
The extreme weather conditions, which have battered several districts across the Himalayan nation over the past 48 hours, have resulted in rising river levels, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and widespread displacement of local communities. Government officials in Nepal report that major highways, including key access routes connecting the capital, Kathmandu, to the rest of the country, have been severely compromised by mudslides and debris, leaving many travelers stranded.
In a statement released earlier today, the Sri Lankan mission urged its citizens to exercise maximum caution and to strictly adhere to directives issued by local Nepali authorities. “We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves,” the Embassy noted in its bulletin. “We advise all Sri Lankan nationals in affected areas to avoid non-essential travel, stay updated through local news outlets, and maintain contact with the Embassy if they require emergency assistance.”
While there have been no immediate reports of Sri Lankan casualties, the Embassy has set up an emergency hotline for nationals who may be stuck in remote areas or cut off from communication due to power and internet outages. Officials are currently working to verify the safety of Sri Lankan students and expatriate workers, many of whom are concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts.
The Nepal Meteorological Forecasting Division has warned that the weather is expected to remain volatile, with further heavy rainfall forecasted for the coming days. The monsoon season in Nepal frequently leads to catastrophic floods, but experts note that the intensity and sudden nature of this weekend’s events have overwhelmed local disaster response capacities. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with the Nepali army and police forces deployed to clear blocked roads and assist those trapped in submerged residential areas.
The Sri Lankan Embassy further advised citizens to keep their travel documents, such as passports and visas, in safe, waterproof locations and to ensure they have enough essential supplies, including water and food, in the event of prolonged isolation.
Sri Lankans in Nepal are encouraged to register their presence with the Embassy if they have not already done so. Those requiring urgent help are requested to contact the mission’s dedicated emergency number or reach out via the official social media channels. The Embassy maintains that it will continue to provide real-time updates as the situation develops and infrastructure recovery efforts progress.
The Sri Lankan government remains in contact with local Nepali disaster management agencies to ensure the welfare of its nationals during this climate emergency.
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