Meteorologists have warned of the heaviest rainfall of this monsoon season across Nepal, with the potential for significant flooding, landslides, and inundation from Thursday to Sunday.
Dr Binod Pokharel, Senior Meteorologist and Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology indicated that some regions could receive up to 400mm of rainfall, which poses severe risks just before the Dashain festival.
The entry of moisture-laden winds from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea has created conditions for heavy rain, further intensified by high temperatures this year, which have contributed to the development of low-pressure areas.
According to Dr Pokharel, widespread heavy rainfall is likely across many parts of Nepal, with particularly intense rain expected in some regions. As such, he advised heightened vigilance from Thursday through Sunday.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, in its special bulletin issued on September 23, highlighted that all provinces might experience heavy rainfall from September 24 to 28. This projection has already begun materialising in many areas, and rainfall is expected to increase in intensity and coverage.
Meteorologist Govinda Jha from the department stressed that the moisture-laden winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have converged over Nepal, boosting rainfall intensity. He warned that this will have a pronounced impact on agriculture, transportation, and tourism, emphasizing the need for extreme caution.
A total of 27 districts have been identified as high-risk areas, with 42 districts categorized under medium risk. The department has flagged areas such as Ilam and Panchthar (Koshi Province), Tanahun, Lamjung, Kaski, Syangja, Parbat, Baglung, and Myagdi (Gandaki Province) as high-risk zones, marked in red.
Additionally, Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Rukum East, Rolpa, Dang, Bardiya, and Banke (Lumbini Province), as well as Surkhet, Salyan, Rukum West, Jajarkot, and Dailekh (Karnali Province), along with Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, and Doti (Sudurpaschim Province), have been placed on high alert.
Meteorologists predict heavy rainfall today in some locations within Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. On Thursday, heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of Koshi, Madhesh, and Lumbini Provinces, and at one or two places in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces. Intense rainfall is expected in certain areas of Koshi, Madhesh, and Lumbini Provinces.
By Saturday and Sunday, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim Provinces are expected to experience increased rainfall impact. According to the bulletin, Friday will likely see heavy rain in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces, and one or two places in Karnali Province. Additionally, very heavy rainfall is expected in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces on Friday.
With these forecasts, meteorologists are urging all regions to take necessary precautions to avoid disaster-related risks during this period.
