Nepal: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in multiple regions as of Oct. 11

Event

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across several parts of Nepal as of Oct. 11 following days of heavy rainfall in many regions. More than 8,000 households in Banke District in Lumbini Province have been affected by flooding with more than 1,000 people displaced. Around 181 homes have been destroyed and nearly 600 have been partially damaged by the flooding. Thousands of tourists have been stranded after flights were canceled between Ramechhap and Lukla due to severe weather Oct. 8-10. Around 2,000 people are stuck in Manthali near Ramechhap and around 1,500 near Lukla.

Authorities have reported at least 31 fatalities and dozens of people are missing due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in various districts of the country in recent days. Approximately 12 of the fatalities occurred in separate landslides in Humla and Mugu districts in Karnali Province. Several others are missing following the landslides and over 150 families have been displaced. At least four people died and 23 people remain missing in Kalikot District after several landslides occurred in the area Oct. 9. Around 200 people in the district have been displaced by the landslides, as well as nine homes destroyed and 12 partially damaged. Seven other fatalities have been reported in Jumla District, six in Pyuthan District, and one in Salyan and Bajura districts.

Further light-to-moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are forecast over much of Nepal through at least Oct. 13. The Nepal Department of Water and Meteorology has warned of showers and storms across parts of Province No.1, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces Oct. 11-12, as well as in isolated parts of the rest of the country. The adverse weather could cause rising river levels, flooding, landslides, and transport disruption in affected areas.

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.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
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 airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely 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.

Resources

Nepal Department of Hydrology and Meteorology