27 Aug 2021 | 04:06 AM UTC
Nepal: Severe weather forecast nationwide through at least Aug. 31
Severe weather forecast in Nepal through at least Aug. 31.
Event
The southwest monsoon is bringing thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding across Nepal as of Aug. 27. The Nepal Department of Water and Meteorology has forecast further heavy to very heavy rain in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces and Province 1 through at least Aug. 28 and moderate rain nationwide through at least Aug. 31. Heavy rains are forecast for Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces Aug. 28-29. Authorities have issued the following warnings:
Yellow (the middle level on a three-tier scale) flood warning: Bagmati River Basin at Rautahat District, Province 2; the river levels are falling, lessening the risk of flooding.
Red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) rainfall warnings: Narayani River Basin at Chitwan District in Bagmati Province and Bara District in Province 2, as well as Nawalpur and Syangja districts in Gandaki Province; Tinau River Basin at Rupandehi District in Lumbini Province; Banganga River Basin at Kapilvastu District in Lumbini Province; Koshi and Bagmati river basins at Sindhuli District in Bagmati Province; Kamala River Basin at Dhanusa District in Province 2.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Multiple road closures are underway nationwide. A portion of the Mahendra Highway (East-West Highway, H01) in Nawalparasi East and the Daunne area are closed to traffic. The Narayangarh-Muglin road is also closed due to a landslide at Seti Dobhan. Heavy rain and landslides are impacting clean-up operations. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
