Over 1.8M people likely to be affected by monsoon this year

KATHMANDU: As many as 1.8 million people are likely to be affected by this year’s monsoon, according to the estimation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The Authority indicates that the monsoon, expected to bring increased rainfall, will impact more than 1.8 million people.

Dr. Dijan Bhattarai, the Authority’s spokesperson, stated that over 1.81 million individuals from a total of 412,000 households are estimated to be affected in various ways.

Specifically, 83,000 families are anticipated to be directly impacted, and 18,000 families will require rescue and relief efforts.

In comparison, last year, 1.2 million people were estimated to be affected, while the year before that, the estimate was 2 million.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has projected a 35 to 55 percent chance of receiving more rainfall than usual this year. Consequently, all relevant agencies have been instructed to make necessary preparations due to the increased risk.

Dr. Bhattarai also informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has developed a National Action Plan for Monsoon Preparedness and Response, which is currently being implemented.

As the monsoon season approaches, the Ministry of Home Affairs is making the necessary preparations to address the anticipated challenges.