Nepal braces for monsoon season as 226,000 people face disaster risk

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) estimates that about 226,000 Nepalis could be affected by monsoon-related floods, landslides and other hazards this year, with roughly 51,000 households at risk. The agency has activated a National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Action Plan, set up a Monsoon Response Command Post and asked provincial and local governments to keep heavy equipment on standby, stock food supplies for at least 15 days and restrict vehicle movement on vulnerable roads.

District‑wise risk assessments identify Sunsari, Jhapa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Dolakha, Chitwan, Dang, Rupandehi, Surkhet and Salyan among the most vulnerable, while districts such as Ilam, Bara, Manang, Darchula and Humla are projected to face lower impacts. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts that monsoon winds are already influencing Koshi, Madhes and Bagmati provinces and will spread across the remaining provinces within three to four days, bringing moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Authorities have urged the public in high‑risk areas to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures.