KATHMANDU: Monsoon-related disasters have surged significantly in Nepal over the past decade. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), a total of 2,317 people lost their lives in such incidents from 2015 to 2024.
During this period, Nepal recorded 8,418 disaster incidents triggered by floods, inundations, landslides, heavy rains, lightning, and flash floods. These events affected 56,705 families, damaged 36,479 houses, destroyed 195 bridges, and impacted 1,346 cowsheds.
In 2024 alone, 495 people died due to monsoon-related disasters. The data shows that 344 people died in landslides, 91 in floods, eight due to heavy rainfall, and 52 from lightning strikes. Additionally, 18 people remain missing due to floods and 48 due to landslides that year.
Landslides cause the most fatalities
An analysis of the past decade reveals that landslides are the deadliest among monsoon-related disasters, accounting for 1,296 deaths. Floods claimed 539 lives, and lightning strikes killed 385 people.
During this time, 2,649 people were injured, and 419 remain missing. Of the 3,532 landslides recorded, 1,136 people were injured, and 17,236 families were affected.
Geologist Dr. Subodh Dhakal noted that while flood forecasting systems have improved, predicting landslides remains a significant challenge.
“In the past, many people used to die in floods. But due to advances in forecasting, casualties have decreased. However, the same cannot be said for landslides,” he said. “The lack of an early warning system makes it difficult to prevent such disasters.”
Dr. Dhakal also pointed out that many settlements in the hills are located in historically landslide-prone areas, increasing the risk of recurrence. Poor road construction practices and unplanned infrastructure development are compounding the problem.
“Sensitive areas are being excavated without proper assessment. Technology is underused, and houses are often built without analyzing landslide risks,” he said.
“To address this, we need a scientific and systematic land-use policy, long-term planning, proper use of technology, and a reliable landslide early warning system.”
Above-average rainfall forecast this year
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast above-average rainfall for this year’s monsoon. Director General Kamal Ram Joshi stated that most regions of Nepal are likely to receive higher-than-normal rainfall during the four-month monsoon season.
“The eastern part of Karnali, the northern part of Lumbini, and most of Gandaki Province could receive 55 to 65 percent more rainfall than average,” Joshi said.
“Similarly, the southern part of Sudurpaschim, western Lumbini, northeastern Gandaki, and northern parts of Bagmati and Koshi Provinces are expected to receive 45 to 55 percent more rain.”
The eastern and southern parts of Madhesh Province, along with other parts of the country, may also experience 35 to 45 percent above-average rainfall.
Two million people likely to be affected
The National Action Plan for Monsoon Preparedness and Response, 2082, estimates that nearly two million people will be affected by monsoon-related disasters this year.
Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, Executive Chief of NDRRMA, said approximately 1.997 million people from 457,145 households are at risk.
“Of the estimated total, about 200,000 people may be directly affected,” he said. “We’ve made preparations accordingly—training local volunteers, coordinating with security agencies, and advising the Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs to halt vehicle movement during disasters.”
Focus on timely information
Binod Parajuli, a flood expert at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, said the department’s ‘weather room’ will remain active 24/7 throughout the monsoon.
Flood and inundation alerts will be disseminated through SMS, phone calls, and voice messages. Citizens can directly access alerts by calling the toll-free number 1155, he added.
Other preparations
Other preparations include several measures coordinated by the NEA. Local authorities have been instructed to clean rivers and streams, keep drainage systems clear, issue warnings for potential landslide-prone areas, and prioritize building temporary shelters in safe locations. Rescue teams have also been mobilized at all local levels.
The Nepali Army will deploy rescue teams at various helicopter bases with advance preparations in place. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Airline Operators Association and the NEA to facilitate the use of private helicopters for air rescue during disaster response.
“We have learned valuable lessons by analyzing both the successes and shortcomings of past disaster management efforts. We examined what went well, what went wrong, and what could have been done better,” said NEA Chief Executive Dinesh Prasad Bhatta.
“Based on these insights, we have developed this year’s response plan. Drawing on past experiences, we have placed strong emphasis on preparedness, and we believe our plan will be more effective and successful than before.”
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