With monsoon in full swing, moderate to heavy rains have continued unabated, particularly in the eastern Tarai region, causing floods in Jhapa, Sunsari, Mahottari and Morang among other districts.

“Moderate to heavy rains have been witnessed in all the regions for the past one week and more wet spells are expected over next couple of days,” said Rishi Ram Sharma, director general at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).

The active low pressure system developed across the country, particularly in the eastern, central and western Nepal for over a week now, has released intense rains in Chure Tarai and mid-hills districts. Data compiled by the DHM from June 1 to July 24 this year shows the total rainfall this monsoon at around 750mm, more by 150mm than average rainfall for the

period. The average rainfall in Nepal during monsoon season between June and September is around 1,500mm, with August being the wettest month. 

A flood bulletin issued by the DHM said that weather has been active in the Eastern Nepal, particularly in the Chure and mid-mountain districts since Sunday night.

With heavy rains expected to continue for at least two more days, settlements living near rivers in many districts are at high risk. Incessant rainfall in upstream areas of the Saptakoshi, Kankai, Ratu and Khando rivers has made thousands of people living in Jhapa, Ilam and adjoining districts vulnerable to floods.

Local administration offices in the respective districts have alerted locals in vulnerable areas to stay in safer locations until water levels in major rivers and their tributaries recede, according to Binod Parajuli, a hydrologist at the DHM. On Monday, the DHM issued yet another flood bulletin for the Kankai and other rivers, urging locals living near the riverbanks in Jhapa to move to safer locations until further notice.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Simara recorded the highest rainfall (182.3mm), followed by Dharan (135.3mm), Lumle (132mm) and Nepalgunj (107mm) within 24 hours till Monday morning. Rainfall measuring above 100mm within 24 hours is considered “extreme precipitation”, which means increased risk of floods and landslides.

Koshi water flow at year’s record high

ITAHARI: Water flow in the Saptakoshi river on Monday evening was recorded 250,630 cusec, the highest for the year. Heavy rainfall in various hill districts in the East for the past 10 days has caused water levels in the Saptakoshi river to suddenly rise. Authorities have switched on red lights in the Koshi Barrage, in an indication that water flow has crossed the danger level. Authorities have opened 32 sluice gates after the increase in water levels in the river.