19 Jun 2023 | 06:01 AM UTC
Nepal: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in Koshi Province as of June 19
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Koshi Province, Nepal, as of June 19. Casualties reported; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across Koshi Province as of June 19, following heavy rainfall since June 17. The worst affected are Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts. Reports indicate at least five fatalities in Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, and Taplejung districts, with 28 others still missing, including 15 workers at a hydropower project on the Hewa River in Sankhuwasabha District. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Reports also indicate at least 13 injuries. Several hydropower projects in Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, and Panchthar districts are reportedly damaged, while floodwaters have swept away at least seven houses in Sankhuwasabha District. The lack of access due to damaged roads and bridges is hampering damage assessments.
Further rainfall is forecast over much of Koshi Province. The Nepal Department of Water and Meteorology has issued rainfall warnings across Ilam, Jhapa, and Panchthar districts. The adverse weather could cause rising river levels and further flooding, landslides, and transport disruption in affected areas.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 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 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.
