KATHMANDU: Monsoon conditions are expected to remain active across Nepal for the next 72 hours, bringing the possibility of heavy and very heavy rainfall in a number of provinces and increasing the likelihood of flash floods in vulnerable areas.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly regions of the country and in parts of the Terai of Lumbini Province today. Very heavy rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the hilly areas of Karnali Province and in the hilly and Terai regions of Lumbini Province.
Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said most parts of the country received moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours, while some areas recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall.
For tonight, the Department has forecast heavy rainfall at one or two places in the mountainous, hilly, and Terai regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, as well as in the hilly and Terai areas of Lumbini Province. Very heavy rainfall is also possible in some mountainous and hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces.
On Tuesday, heavy rainfall is likely in the mountainous and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces and at one or two places in Madhes Province.
Similarly, on Wednesday, heavy rainfall is expected in the mountainous and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces and at one or two places in the hilly and Terai areas of Lumbini Province.
The Department has urged people living in areas marked as orange-risk zones to remain especially vigilant, as rainfall activity is expected to intensify during the next three days.
Flash flood risk increases
The Department has also warned that water levels in small rivers and streams across many districts, including the Kathmandu Valley, are likely to rise significantly today, increasing the risk of flash floods.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the flow of small rivers and streams in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kavrepalanchok is expected to increase sharply, posing a high risk of flash floods.
Similarly, a moderate flash flood risk has been forecast for small rivers flowing through Taplejung, Jhapa, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Udayapur, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Makawanpur, Gorkha, Lamjung, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Syangja, Palpa, Gulmi, Chitwan, Nawalparasi (East), Nawalparasi (West), and surrounding districts.
The Department has urged residents of riverside settlements, low-lying areas, and riverbeds in high-risk zones to remain particularly cautious. People have also been advised to prepare to move to safer locations if necessary and to regularly follow weather updates and warnings issued by local administrations and relevant authorities.
For medium-risk districts, the department has advised avoiding unnecessary movement along riverbanks, exercising caution while traveling, and staying informed about possible weather-related hazards.
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