60 Days of Monsoon: Below-Average Rainfall Across Nepal, Madhesh Hardest Hit

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has reported that Nepal has received below-average rainfall during the first 60 days of this year’s monsoon, with the Madhesh Province emerging as the most affected region.

Releasing a report on the monsoon status since its onset on May 29, the authority stated that low precipitation has severely impacted the Tarai region. It took nearly three weeks for the monsoon, which entered Nepal on May 29, to spread across the country. After an initial active phase, the system weakened and remained mostly inactive, except for brief activity in the fourth week of July, said NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat.

During this period, floods, landslides, and lightning strikes claimed 43 lives. Compared to last year, the number of monsoon-related disasters, as well as human and physical losses, has been lower, the authority said.

The report highlighted the sudden flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on July 8, which caused significant damage. “The flood occurred at night without rainfall, leaving residents no time to reach safety. Of the 20 people reported missing, 12 bodies or body parts have been recovered so far, with only two identified,” the authority stated. Two missing persons have since been traced, and a couple trapped at Indrenighat in Bidur Municipality-8 of Nuwakot was rescued by a helicopter.

Due to the lack of rainfall, Madhesh Province has been the hardest hit, particularly during the crucial paddy planting and crop cultivation season, severely affecting livelihoods. With water sources drying up, the provincial government declared Madhesh a drought-affected area on July 10, while the federal government declared it a disaster-affected zone on July 23.

The NDRRMA has requested UN agencies, national and international NGOs, and the Red Cross to revise their programs and focus on Madhesh. The authority added that all three tiers of government and various organizations are collaborating to explore long-term solutions for drinking water and irrigation needs in the province.

In May, the Department of Hydrology had predicted above-average rainfall during this monsoon but the latest report suggest below average rainfall so far. -- RSS