Nepal is receiving above-average rainfall in the pre-monsoon phase. It is estimated that this year’s monsoon will affect two million citizens across 450,000 households in Nepal.
This estimate is based on the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Action Plan 2025, prepared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), after analysing various factors and weather forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Once approved by the upcoming meeting of the Executive Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the plan will move forward for implementation.
The hilly region of Nepal is prone to landslides, whereas the plains of Terai risks being flooded during monsoon. At least 241 people died because of an unexpected downpour in Kathmandu and eastern Nepal at the end of the monsoon last year.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology released its monsoon forecast earlier this week, indicating above-average rainfall and higher-than-average maximum and minimum temperatures.
The Department has pointed out that the eastern part of Karnali Province, the northern part of Lumbini Province, and much of Gandaki Province are likely to experience higher-than-average rainfall.
For this year’s monsoon, there is a 55 to 65 per cent chance of above-average rainfall in the eastern part of Karnali Province, northern Lumbini, and most parts of Gandaki Province, a recent report reveals.
Similarly, the southern region of Sudurpaschim, western Lumbini, northeastern Gandaki, and the northern areas of Bagmati and Koshi have a 45 to 55 per cent chance of receiving above-average rainfall. The rest of the country has a 35 to 45 per cent probability of above-average rainfall.