Up to 2 Million People May Be Affected, Warns Authority Report

Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has estimated that around 2 million people could be affected by disasters during this year’s monsoon season.

In a draft of the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Action Plan 2083 released on Sunday, the Authority noted that while overall rainfall is expected to remain below average, the risk of monsoon-related disasters remains high due to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

The report warns of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods in the high Himalayan region, while the Tarai and lower hill areas may face heightened threats of floods, landslides, inundation, soil erosion and flash floods.

It also highlights the risk of heatwaves, particularly in the southern Tarai belt, due to rising daily temperatures.

According to the estimate, around 457,000 households comprising nearly 2 million people could be affected across the country during the monsoon period.

The Authority has instructed concerned agencies to strengthen early warning systems, identify safe shelters, prepare relief materials and enhance rescue and response mechanisms to minimize disaster-related losses.

The report further projects above-average minimum temperatures in parts of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Bagmati, Madhesh and Koshi provinces during the monsoon season.