KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged trekking agencies and tourists to exercise high caution and avoid trekking and adventure activities from September 24 to 27 amid forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the country.

Issuing a notice on Thursday, TAAN warned that heavy rainfall could increase water levels in rivers and streams and trigger flash floods, landslides and inundation, potentially disrupting trekking routes, roads and air services.

TAAN urged agencies to keep trekkers and support staff in safe locations away from riverbanks, steep slopes, landslide-prone areas and places vulnerable to flooding. It also advised against mountaineering and other adventure tourism activities during unsafe weather conditions.

The association asked agencies to regularly monitor weather forecasts and update trekking and safety plans accordingly. In case of emergencies, it urged coordination with local governments, security agencies and protected-area authorities to ensure the safety of tourists and support teams.

TAAN said its secretariat is in regular contact with the Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Police, local governments in high-risk areas and protected-area management authorities to coordinate search, rescue and medical assistance if required.

It also advised travellers to contact 1155 for weather information, 1234 for disaster assistance, 100 for Nepal Police and 1144 for Tourist Police.