KATHMANDU: Helicopter operators have been put on standby for possible rescue operations as authorities forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, floods and landslides across several parts of the country from Friday to Sunday.

The Helicopter Operators Association has directed its nine member companies to keep their helicopters ready for emergency rescue operations in the event of weather-related disasters.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, association president Pratap Jung Pandey asked member operators to maintain a high level of alert while operating flights from Friday to Sunday, when adverse weather is forecast in various parts of the country.

The association has nine member helicopter companies, with a combined fleet of 33 helicopters, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

The association also urged passenger airlines to exercise caution, particularly in view of the forecast of heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in parts of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah, citing the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, said on Wednesday that several parts of the country could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from Friday to Sunday, with isolated areas of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall.

The government has warned of possible floods, landslides, inundation, debris flows and road blockages, particularly around Pokhara in Gandaki, the hilly and Tarai areas of Lumbini, Taplejung and other Himalayan areas of Koshi, the hills of Bagmati, the Jomsom area of Karnali and the hills of Sudurpaschim.

Shah has urged people to avoid travelling on highways, particularly at night and while it is raining, and to exercise caution near rivers, streams and areas prone to floods and landslides.

People planning trekking or travel to mountainous areas have also been advised to postpone or reconsider their plans until weather conditions improve.

Authorities have been asked to maintain preparedness and coordination, while the public has been urged to follow updates issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and local administrations.