Kathmandu, May 25
With the pre-monsoon season already underway and the monsoon approaching, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has projected that this year’s monsoon could affect around 2 million people across 450,000 households in Nepal.
The estimate is outlined in the proposed Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan 2082 BS, which was prepared by NDRRMA based on forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and an analysis of multiple factors.
According to NDRRMA spokesperson Ram Bahadur KC, the plan anticipates that 10 percent of the affected population may require rescue and relief support. “We have projected that 2 million people across all provinces could be affected this monsoon. We’ve assigned regional responsibilities accordingly. The action plan considers stock availability, additional needs, and other key aspects,” KC said.
The action plan will be presented on May 28 at a meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee, chaired by the Home Minister. Once approved, it will be implemented across the central, provincial, district, and local levels, KC added.
This year’s action plan also includes monthly monitoring, evaluation, and review of the disaster situation throughout the monsoon period.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has already released its monsoon outlook, which forecasts higher-than-average rainfall, as well as increased maximum and minimum temperatures across the country.
Based on this forecast, the NDRRMA formulated its national action plan in consultation with stakeholders and representatives from relevant agencies and organizations.
According to the Department, eastern Karnali Province, northern Lumbini, and most of Gandaki Province are expected to receive significantly higher-than-average rainfall. Department spokesperson Vibhuti Pokharel stated that from June 1 to September 30, the country is likely to experience above-average rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures nationwide.
The likelihood of above-average rainfall is estimated at:
- 55% to 65% in eastern Karnali, northern Lumbini, and most of Gandaki Province
- 45% to 55% in southern Sudurpaschim, western Lumbini, northeastern Gandaki, northern Bagmati, and northern Koshi Province
- 35% to 45% in eastern and southern Madhesh and the remaining parts of the country
Authorities are urging all concerned agencies to prepare for potential disasters, including floods and landslides, as the monsoon season approaches.
—RSS
