Heavy rainfall predicted from July 19, call to remain on high alert

KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted heavy rainfall in various areas of the country beginning from July 19.

The Department has also urged one and all at high risk of monsoon-induced disasters to remain in high alert.

The torrential rain to pour from July 19 will last for three to four days. The Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in many of the places over this period while some places will witness downpour.

Meteorologist Dr. Archana Shrestha shared that the weather is almost normal until July 18. Although monsoon would be more active in the eastern part of the country, places across Sudurpaschim State would receive heavy rainfall.

The monsoon trough would come closer to Nepal from the south from Sunday onwards, triggering monsoon activities more intensely. The monsoon waves had brought moderate to heavy rainfall across the country from July 9 to 13.

Torrential rain has been expected in State No 1, State No 2, State No 5, Bagmati State and some places in Gandaki State and Sudurpaschim and Karnali State, triggering disasters like flood, landslide and soil erosion among others from July 19.

It is warned that the water level in the rivers in State No 1, State No 2, Bagmati State, Gandaki State could rise alarmingly leading to flooding and inundation. It is predicted that Kanaki, Tamor, Sunkoshi, Saptakoshi, Kamala, Bagmati, Budhi Gandaki, Seti, Marsyangdi, Kaligandaki and its tributaries would be swollen due to the heavy rainfall during this period.

There is also a likelihood of a flash flood in the streams in Mid-Hill, Chure and Terai areas, according to the Department.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority CEO Anil Pokharel urged the concerned communities to remain alert and not to reside in the high-risk areas and riverside given the possibility of flash flood.

The Authority has enabled early warning systems and has been publishing bulletin about floods and weather daily. Besides this, it has been alerting the concerned communities through social networking sites and SMS.

More than 100 people lost their lives to landslide while 45 were missing in landslide and flood that occurred due to heavy rainfall from July 9 t0 13.

The rescue operation for those missing ones continues as the rescue, relief and resettlement process has been expedited, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. RSS