In Nepal, heavy rain, floods, and landslides are becoming an increasing concern due to a low-pressure system affecting India. This situation has already led to rising river levels, prompting residents in vulnerable areas of Gulmi to move to safer locations.
Forecasts also predict moderate to heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, in various regions, including Eastern, Central, Western, and Southern provinces. The Koshi and Bagmati provinces might experience severe rain, while Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces are likely to see moderate to heavy rainfall. Certain areas could witness heavy to very heavy downpours. Some sections of the Terai, especially in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, may be impacted by windstorms.
In Gulmi, the rising waters of the Kaligandaki and Ridi rivers are increasing the flood threat for communities near their banks.
Residents in hazardous areas like Lamochaupari within Ruru Kshetra Rural Municipality-1 are starting to move to safer spots due to fears of avalanches. Valuables are being transported to safe locations, with young people in the community providing assistance to families at risk.
Nawaraj BK, the Ward Chairperson, along with local youths, aided residents in relocating their belongings as river levels climbed.
Local resident Prem Bhandari mentioned that teenagers have been helping families in danger-prone zones move their possessions since last night. Officials and community members are urging anyone near the Kaligandaki and Ridi rivers to stay alert and evacuate if water levels rise further.
Forecast calls for heavy rain in multiple provinces
The weather forecast indicates cloudy skies over much of the country, with expected rainfall in various areas.
In the hilly and mountainous regions of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim, as well as most hilly areas of Bagmati, moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms is expected.
Some areas in the Koshi and Madhesh provinces, along with others, are also forecasted to receive rain.
The department has warned that certain locations in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim might face heavy to very heavy rain, with particularly intense precipitation possible in one or two spots in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim.
Increased danger from floods and landslides
The ongoing rain has heightened the likelihood of flash floods, landslides, and interruptions to roadways and communities in vulnerable areas.
Recent forecasts have indicated that several districts in western and central Nepal are at significant risk for flooding, as the rainfall has already caused rivers to rise and hampered transportation in some regions.
Authorities have urged people living near rivers, streams, and steep slopes prone to landslides to take safety precautions and limit unnecessary travel during this rainy period.
This weather pattern is expected to continue in the coming days, though rain in the eastern regions will lessen while the western areas will become wetter.
Residents living in areas at risk for floods or landslides are advised to pay attention to weather alerts and disaster warnings, and to move to safer locations as needed.