Heavy rainfall & red alert issued for 56 districts across Nepal

KATHMANDU: Several areas in the country are experiencing rainfall from early morning today, as widespread cloud cover has developed across the nation.

Light to moderate rainfall is occurring in isolated places of Koshi, Madhesh, Lumbini, and Karnali States, according to early morning reports.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast that cloud cover will persist throughout the day, ranging from partly to completely overcast across the country.

There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some places in all States.

Additionally, heavy rainfall is likely in a few areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim States, with the possibility of very heavy rain in a few of these locations. Strong winds may also occur in some parts of the Terai region.

For tonight, the department predicts that conditions will remain from partly to fully overcast across the country.

Thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall are expected in some areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim States, and in isolated areas of the remaining States.

Heavy to very heavy rain may occur in one or two places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini States. The Terai region may also see strong winds in some locations.

Given the possibility of very heavy rainfall, there are concerns about flooding, landslides, and inundation in urban and lowland areas, especially in the Terai region.

The department has warned of a potential rise in water levels in both small and large rivers and streams.

It has advised caution to avoid landslides and erosion, and warned that construction activities near rivers and streams could be disrupted, impacting daily life. Furthermore, sectors such as agriculture, health, tourism, mountaineering, and transportation, including road and air travel, could be partially affected.

The monsoon trough is currently positioned south of its average location, leading to the continued influence of monsoon winds across the country.

Additionally, a low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal is contributing to the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to the department.

Red Alert Issued for 56 Districts

The department has issued a red alert for the following 56 districts, warning of potential heavy to very heavy rainfall:

• Koshi: Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Tehrathum, Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Udayapur, Bhojpur, Ilam, and Panchthar
• Madhesh: Siraha, Saptari, and Parsa
• Bagmati: Makwanpur, Chitwan, Dhading, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Sindhuli, and Ramechhap
• Gandaki: Myagdi, Baglung, Tanahun, Syangja, Nawalparasi (East), Kaski, Parbat, Lamjung, Gorkha, and Manang
• Lumbini: Rukum (East), Rolpa, Gulmi, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Nawalparasi (West), Banke, and Bardiya
• Karnali: Jajarkot, Rukum (West), Dailekh, Surkhet, and Salyan
• Sudurpaschim: Kailali, Doti, and Achham

These areas are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to prevent any loss or damage from potential natural disasters, such as floods and landslides.