Monsoon activity to intensify; heavy rainfall likely across the country

Kathmandu: Monsoon activity is expected to intensify across Nepal over the next two days, with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall in many parts of the country.

The hilly areas of Bagmati Province recorded very heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. According to the department, the highest rainfall of 105.4 millimetres was measured at the Melamchi Rainfall Measurement Centre.

The department said the monsoon is becoming more active as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal moves northwest. Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely in most parts of the country today and Sunday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in some areas.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in the country’s hilly and mountainous regions, as well as in a few places across the Tarai of Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. Similar conditions are also likely at one or two locations in the Tarai of Madhesh and Gandaki provinces. Very heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations in the hills and Tarai of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.

The department has urged the public to remain alert, warning that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, inundation and a rise in river and stream levels.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a high alert for heavy rainfall expected over the next two days in Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini and parts of the hills and Tarai of Sudurpaschim Province.

The authority has advised the public to avoid nighttime travel unless absolutely necessary, particularly in high-risk districts including Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahun, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi and Syangja.

Residents living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and seek timely disaster information and emergency assistance through official channels.

The public is also advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the NDRRMA.