Severe rainfall triggers floods, landslides, and inundation across Nepal

Kathmandu, July 6

The active monsoon has caused severe rainfall across Nepal, resulting in widespread disasters, including floods, landslides, and inundation. These events have caused significant damage to both human lives and infrastructure.

In Kathmandu, a landslide buried the kitchen of the Tropical Restaurant in Nagarjun-3, leading to the death of Manoj BK, a worker from Gorkha’s Lakhan Thapa Rural Municipality-6. In Biruwa Rural Municipality-6 of Syangja, a landslide claimed the lives of 65-year-old Guishwari Sharma Marasini and 67-year-old Harimaya Sharma, while 71-year-old Madhav Sharma remains missing.

Several people are reported missing in districts such as Tanahun, Dang, and Nawalparasi West, with numerous houses, roads, and bridges damaged. Floods in the Bagmati and Hanumante rivers have submerged settlements in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, including the central office of the CPN-UML in Chyasal, Lalitpur. The UN Park area and the vegetable market in Balkhu are also flooded.

Weather conditions to improve in Kathmandu from Sunday

Meteorologists predict more rainfall in Karnali and Far Western districts on Sunday, but an improvement in other areas, including Kathmandu, from the same day. Senior meteorologist Shanti Kandel stated, “Rainfall is likely to increase in Karnali and the Far West from tonight. Kathmandu may see some improvement tomorrow, with less rain than today.”

Koshi and Madhesh provinces are also expected to see improved weather, with heavy rain possible in isolated locations. The monsoon will remain active in the lower regions of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and the Far West until Sunday.

Extremely heavy rainfall recorded in Palpa

The highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded at Kumalgaon Station in Palpa, with 408.2 mm of rain measured. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported that 378.6 mm of rain fell between 11 pm on Friday and 1:30 pm on Saturday.

Rainfall exceeding 200 mm in 24 hours is considered extremely heavy. The department has urged special caution as rain continues in most parts of the country.

Is this rainfall normal?

Meteorologist Sudarshan Humagain explained that the proximity of the monsoon low-pressure line to Nepal’s territory has led to heavy to moderate rainfall, which is expected during this season.

“Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has occurred in past years as well. We just tend to forgethose moments,” said Humagain. “Every year, we see 500-600 mm of rain in a day or two during the active monsoon.”

Above-average rainfall predicted

Projections from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology indicate that this monsoon season will see more rainfall than average. Twelve climate models affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization show a 50-70 per cent chance of above-average total rainfall from July to September.

There is a 60-70 per cent chance of above-average rainfall in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Far Western provinces, as well as the northern part of Bagmati Province. Other areas have a 50-60 per cent chance of above-average rainfall. “Typically, when rainfall is above average, there are more days of heavy rain, leading to increased incidents of inundation, floods, and landslides,” said senior meteorologist and climate analyst Dr Indira Kandel.

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