Locust swarms likely to reach western Nepal Monday

28 June Kathmandu : Experts have feared that locust swarms that were first seen in southeastern Nepal on Saturday will now gradually move westward along with the current of the air.

By nature, the notorious insects follow the wave of the air and, often, weather changes are said to be responsible for their movements. “The waves of air are likely to move westward from tonight. Therefore, it is highly likely that the locusts will also fly accordingly,” meteorologist Pratibha Manandhar says.

Though Nepal’s agricultural officials had feared the locust attack a few weeks ago, they had later ruled out the possibility arguing the monsoon waves entered Nepal and it was not an appropriate environment for the insects to survive. However, they reported the first appearance of locusts in the country, after 60 years, on Saturday. Officials say the inspects made into the country as the airwaves moved southwestern-ward from the west.

The locusts were seen in some southern districts on Saturday morning. By the evening, some hilly districts had also reported the attacks. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is busy consulting stakeholders to prepare a mitigation plan.