Kathmandu, Oct. 24 -- distance vehicles was suspended for three days in the first week of October, in view of the forecast of excessive rainfall and the risk of floods, landslides and inundation.

Authorities stepped up preparations, alerted all agencies concerned about the risks, instructed them not to repeat past lapses, and kept helicopters on standby in all provinces for rescue operations.

Though commuters returning to their workplaces after Dashain and transport operators faced difficulties due to the travel ban, many viewed it as a prudent strategy.

"We minimised the loss of many lives by enforcing the travel ban," said Bhusan Tuladhar, an environmentalist. "This shows that major disasters can be averted through timely and prudent...