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Heavy rainfall has led to significant road blockages across various regions in the country, severely impacting traffic on multiple highways. 

The police reported that roads such as Mid Hill Highway in Tehrathum, Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchok, Mechi Highway in Ilam, and Trishuli-Mailung-Safrubensi road in Rasuwa are among those affected by landslides and erosion. 

In response to the heightened risk of flooding, authorities have imposed vehicle bans on certain road sections, including the BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli, from 6 pm to 4 am, while allowing traffic from 4 am to 6 pm. . 

The situation is particularly dire on the Mechi Highway, where traffic has been completely halted due to slippery conditions. 

Landslides have also caused complete blockages on various segments of the Araniko Highway, particularly in areas like Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality and Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality. 

Additionally, the Trishuli-Mailung-Safrubensi road has been rendered impassable due to erosion, and the Bheri Corridor's Jajarkot-Dolpa section is blocked by landslides. 

The police have urged travelers to check road conditions with relevant agencies before embarking on journeys, as the rainy season poses ongoing risks of landslides, floods and road erosion. 

The recent shortage of LP gas, which has affected various regions including the Kathmandu Valley, is finally starting to improve. 

Nepal Oil Corporation reported that with the distribution of 14.2 kg gas cylinders since July 15, it resulted in shortage. Earlier, half-cylinder gas was being distributed. However, imports from India have been steadily increasing, and the distribution process is now more efficient. 

Director at LP gas department, Binitamani Upadhyay, mentioned that while there were some initial disruptions with the redistribution of 14.2 kg cylinders, the situation now is getting better. "We've intensified the supply to meet consumer demand," he said, advising consumers not to stock up more gas than needed. 

"Currently, over 100 cylinders are being dispatched daily from Indian Oil Corporation's refinery. There have been some challenges in transitioning from 7.1 kg to 14.2 kg, but we expect sales and distribution would become normal within a week at the latest," Director Upadhyay added. 

In light of the tense situation in West Asia, NOC had begun selling 7.1 kg gas cylinders to better manage the supply and distribution of gas in the country. 

The monsoon is currently active across the country, with a low-pressure system situated near average places, leading to generally cloudy conditions nationwide. 

Light to moderate rainfall is being reported in various regions, including Bagmati, Gandaki, Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali Provinces. 

The Meteorological Forecasting Division anticipates continued cloudiness throughout the day, with potential for moderate rain and snowfall in mountainous areas. Moderate rainfall is expected in the hilly regions and parts of the Tarai in Lumbini, Sudurpashchim, Madhes, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces. 

There is also a risk of heavy rain in some areas of the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki, as well as in the hilly and Tarai parts of Lumbini and Karnali. 

The forecast indicates that tonight will remain generally cloudy, with chances of rain and snowfall persisting in mountainous areas. 

The department warns of potential heavy rainfall in specific locations within Koshi, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim Provinces, as well as in the hilly areas of Bagmati. 

Residents in these regions are advised to take precautions due to the increased risk of landslides, floods and erosion. 

Today marks the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. 

It's estimated that there are around 476 million Indigenous Peoples spread across 90 countries. 

While they represent less than 6 percent of the global population, they make up at least 15 percent of the world's poorest individuals. 

 According to the UN, these communities speak a vast majority of the estimated 7,000 languages worldwide and embody about 5,000 unique cultures. 

Indigenous Peoples are the guardians of rich traditions and distinctive ways of connecting with both people and the environment. 

They have preserved social, cultural, economic, and political traits that set them apart from the dominant societies surrounding them. 

Despite their diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Peoples face shared challenges when it comes to safeguarding their rights as unique communities. 

For years, Indigenous Peoples have fought for recognition of their identities, lifestyles, and their rights to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources. Unfortunately, their rights have often been overlooked throughout history. 

Today, they are considered some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups globally. 

The international community has begun to acknowledge that special measures are necessary to protect their rights and sustain their unique cultures and ways of life. 

To highlight the needs of Indigenous Peoples, every August 9 is observed as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a date chosen to honor the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, which took place in Geneva in 1982.