Nepal: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of the country as of July 12 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across many parts of Nepal as of July 12. A landslide in Chitwan District early July 12 swept two buses off the road between Narayanghat and Mugling. More than 60 people are missing and response operations are ongoing. Another landslide on the same highway caused one fatality and sections of the road remain closed. At least 11 other fatalities have been reported due to landslides in Pokhara and surrounding areas of Kaski District late July 11.

Previous heavy monsoon rains around July 5-8 led to many rivers across the country rising to dangerous levels. Parts of the country have been inundated by floodwaters and dozens of landslides have been reported in the country's mountainous terrain. Parts of Gandaki Province are amongst the worst affected areas. Authorities reported at least 11 weather-related fatalities across Nepal. More than 1,000 people were displaced and over 200 homes have been damaged or destroyed by flooding. Many roads have been blocked by flooding and landslides across the country.

Further adverse weather is forecast over the coming days, which will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a monsoon bulletin advising that further monsoon rains are likely across many parts of the country over the coming days, bringing a heightened risk of further flooding and landslides in affected areas. As of July 12, the department has issued red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across much of eastern and central Nepal and orange and yellow heavy rainfall warnings across the rest of the country. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Further 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 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.

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.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.