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Monsoon arrival is likely to be delayed this time in Nepal, because it has already eluded tentative time for its entry. It is yet to make a presence in Nepal even after the passage of three days of its entry date compared to the last year. 

According to Spokesperson at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Bibhuti Pokharel, June 13 is a tentative date for the monsoon arrival in Nepal. 

The El Nino phenomenon developing in the Pacific Ocean is further strengthening, which is likely to affect the monsoon onset in Nepal.  

She said that the monsoon in South Asia, including in Nepal, may weaken due to the development of El Nino.

The monsoon was delayed in Nepal in 1972, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2009, 2016, 2019 and 2023.

In view of the upcoming monsoon, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has unveiled a comprehensive emergency action plan to lessen the loss of lives and properties to be incurred from possible disaster. 

The Department has stated that it would operate 24-hour service by ensuring effectiveness of weather forecasting, flood forecasting and early warning system during the monsoon period. 

Acting Director General of the Department, Archana Shrestha said that the weather forecasting division and flood forecasting division would remain active during 24 hours. 

"Routine weather forecasting up to three days would be made public from 8 am to 6  pm every day while special bulletin would be published with early warning before 3-5 days in special situations", he said, adding that alert map with colour indication would be published to impart timely information about vulnerable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and snowfall. 

Shrestha further informed that the on-time data received from automated hydrological and meteorological evaluation centers across the country would be published through the official website of the Department. 

Flood forecasting would be arranged three days in advance in the main rivers including Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, Bagmati, babai and West Seti for minimizing flood-induced risks, it is stated. 

Most parts of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and some western parts of Gandaki Province will witness the influence of western winds, while rest of the areas will experience weak monsoon and local winds, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated today.

This afternoon, there will generally be cloudy weather in the hilly regions including Koshi, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and partly cloudy weather in the Tarai.

There is a possibility of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some parts of Koshi, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

Similarly, tonight, there will be partly cloudy weather in the hilly regions including Koshi and Madhes Provinces, while the weather will be mainly clear in the remaining areas.

There is a possibility of light rain in one or two places in the hilly regions of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, according to the daily weather bulletin issued by the department this morning.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said that the rain-causing low pressure monsoon system has exited the country. 

Issuing a press release this afternoon, the Department shared this information. 

The Department said though the rain-causing system has exited and weather has started improving, requesting one and all to stay alert to be protected from monsoon-induced disaster in the current situation.

The low-pressure monsoon system that was developed from Bay of Bengal had remained active from October 3 till this morning and affected different places of the country. 

The monsoon has become active in some parts of the country with the rise in the influence of water vapor-rich air from the Bay of Bengal. 

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has stated that currently the monsoon is located around the average position of the low-pressure trough. 

It is expected to be partly cloudy throughout the country today with a possibility of light to moderate rainfall in the hilly areas of all provinces. 

There is also a chance of heavy rain in some parts of Koshi, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim Provinces. 

Similarly, the weather will be partially to generally cloudy throughout the country tonight. 

There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two places in Koshi and Sudurpashchim Provinces. 

The division has cautioned the possible risks of landslides and debris flows as well as rising water level in the rivers and streams due to rain, and urged the concerned area people to stay alert with preparedness accordingly. 

Nepal's monsoon has remained in a weak state with its low pressure line being located to the south of the average position.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division predicted that the weather will generally be cloudy in the hilly regions of the country, including Sudurpashchim province, while the remaining territories will see partial cloud cover this afternoon.

Moderate shower is likely to occur in a few places of the hilly areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in a couple of areas in the remaining Terai regions.

Tonight, there will generally be cloudy weather in the hilly regions of the Koshi and Sudurpashchim provinces, with partial cloud in the rest of the areas.

The division has indicated possibility of moderate rainfall in a few places of the hilly areas of Koshi and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in one or two places in the remaining Terai regions. (RSS)

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), within the first 60 days of this year’s monsoon, floods have affected 1,154 families and caused 15 fatalities.

NDRRMA data shows a sharp decline in both the frequency and severity of monsoon-related disasters between June 11 and July 27 compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of reported incidents, including floods, landslides, heavy rainfall, and lightning, fell from 1,217 last year to 177 this year. Deaths dropped even more dramatically, from 569 to 43. While fewer events occurred, heavy rains still displaced residents in vulnerable areas.

The reductions suggest a milder monsoon season so far, possibly aided by better preparedness. However, late August and early September often bring extreme weather, particularly in flood-prone districts.

For Gita Thapa Magar and her family, the monsoon still means fear. Living along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali, she feels a constant sense of unease when it rains. “If we had a safe place to stay, we would move,” she says, “but with our limited resources, we have no choice.” Floodwaters contaminated with sewage often enter their home, spreading germs, causing illness, and triggering allergic reactions.

Another resident, Ranju Devi Sah, speaks of her family’s hardships and the lack of help despite the severity of the situation. Aruna Chaudhary adds that the most at-risk groups during floods are children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are often deprived of basic necessities. 

In anticipation of flood risks, the Nepali Army’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information has outlined a preparedness plan based on past experiences and weather forecasts. Disaster response materials, such as medical supplies, food, and tents, have been pre-positioned in strategic areas. Under the Disaster Management Directorate, trained troops and specialized equipment are deployed to vulnerable locations. Composite Search and Rescue Teams (CSAR) operate in each province, while the Medical Rescue Team (MRT), staffed by military doctors, and the Disaster Assessment and Rescue Team (DART), trained in water and land rescue, remain on standby at Tribhuvan International Airport for rapid deployment.

Challenging terrain still delays rescue operations. To address this, the Army uses helicopters and other air mobility, although communication blackouts in remote areas remain a hurdle. Pre-trained personnel, well-placed equipment, and coordinated communication aim to overcome these barriers. The Army works closely with other security forces, local governments, and communities, alongside the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, to strengthen disaster response.

Community-level preparedness is also a priority. In fiscal year 2024/25, more than 19,000 people were trained in disaster preparedness, and nearly 47,000 residents nationwide received community-based disaster response training. Army officials urge citizens to heed warnings and promptly report incidents with accurate details to enable faster responses.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rules, 2076, mandate coordination among all three tiers of government. The District Disaster Management Committee is tasked with assessing, mapping, and mitigating risks, and ensuring volunteers are equipped with safety gear.

“Local disaster management units, District Disaster Management Committees, and all three levels of government coordinate for effective disaster management,” says Shanti Mahat, Under Secretary and NDRRMA spokesperson. She notes that rescue workers receive targeted training, and specialized disaster units are equipped with PPE such as helmets and gloves, with requirements adjusted based on the type of disaster. For riverside residents, awareness campaigns and guided evacuations are used to move people to safety.

Jagdish Aryal, head of Disaster Management at Kathmandu Metropolitan City, explains, “Training is provided at ward offices for volunteers, and arrangements are made from the budget. If ward funds are insufficient, the city’s disaster management unit will cover the costs.” Flood warnings are issued based on weather forecasts, and rescue and relief work begins immediately after a disaster.

While total control over disasters may be impossible, Mahat believes that losses can be minimized through systematic procedures, expert guidance, and support from NGOs.

The monsoon is gradually getting weak with its low pressure line shifting to the south from the average position, the Meteorological Forecasting Division stated. 

This afternoon, the hilly areas of the country, including the Sudurpaschim Province are likely to have cloudy weather while the remaining areas will see partial cloud cover. 

The division forecasts moderate rainfall in some places of the hilly areas of Sudurpaschim Province and a couple of places in the Terai. 

Similarly, the hilly areas of the country, including the Koshi Province, will generally have cloudy weather, while other areas will see partial clouds tonight. 

As indicated, there is a chance of moderate rainfall in some places of the hilly areas of Gandaki Province, as well as in the Tarai, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Karnali Provinces. 

In view of the risk of landslides and an increase in water levels in large and small rivers and streams, and potential disruptions in transportation, the division has urged the general public to stay alert with preparedness. 

The Weather Forecasting Division has said the country will remain cloudy today. 

As the low pressure belt of monsoon is around the Tarai region, Nepal is predicted to have active monsoon in the next 24 hours.

Some of the places in Madhes, Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces will have heavy rainfall. Few places in these provinces will have torrential rains. 

Karnali Province is also predicted to have heavy rainfall in one to two places. 

Cloudy weather is forecasted in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces tonight. 

Moderate rainfall is likely in the hilly region of Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. 

Most of the places in the Tarai belt are expected to have moderate rainfall tonight. 

Until just 10 days ago, Shambhu Prasad Yadav of Sakhuwaprasauni Rural municipality-2 in Parsa district was uncertain whether he would be able to complete paddy transplantation this season, as a prolonged dry spell had gripped the Madhesh Province.    

However, the rainfall which is almost regular over the past week has brought much-needed relief to farmers across the province.    

Prior to the rains, farmers were relying heavily on deep tube wells for irrigation, a costly and challenging alternative, particularly in areas with unreliable electricity supply.    

According to Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Senior Crop Development Officer at the Madhesh Province Agricultural Development Directorate, paddy transplantation activities have gained momentum since the rainfall began. As of Srawan 16 (August 1), some 57.27 percent of the total 372,645 hectares allocated for paddy cultivation had been transplanted. Over the past week, it increased by 19.27 percent.    

By August 8, the area under paddy cultivation in the eight districts of Madhesh Province had reached 76.54 percent or 285,234 hectares.    

Among the districts, Bara reports the highest progress with 95 percent of its paddy fields transplanted, followed by Parsa at 92 percent, Rautahat at 85 percent, Sarlahi at 75 percent, Dhanusha, Saptari and Siraha each at 70 percent and Mahottari at 61.5 percent.    

Chief of the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Bara, Raj Narayan Prasad Shah, said that the recent rains have brought immense relief to farmers. “Many fields had developed fissures due to prolonged dryness, and the rains have not only irrigated the land but also brought relief and joy to farmers." (RSS)

The low-pressure line of the monsoon is located to the north of average position in the Tarai region of Nepal. 

Although the monsoon influence is prevailing across the country, the impact of water vapour seems somewhat weak, the weather forecasting division indicated. 

According to the division, the weather will generally be cloudy across the country this afternoon. There are high chances of heavy rainfall in hilly and Tarai areas of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. 

Likewise, a few places in the hilly areas of the rest of the country, and some areas of Madhes and the remaining Tarai region may experience moderate rainfall, the division predicted. 

There is a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in the hilly areas of Lumbini Province, including its Tarai region, as well as in the hilly areas of Koshi, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim Provinces. 

The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy across the country tonight. A moderate rainfall is likely to take place in some areas of the hilly regions of Madhes, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces, and a few places in the remaining hilly and Tarai regions. 

The division's weather bulletin indicates the possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati Provinces.. 

Rescue crews raced on Wednesday to clear debris and flooded roads as southern China braced for more extreme rainfall and spreading infection after some of the worst downpours this century, brought by a peak in East Asian monsoon rains, Reuters reported.

Forecasters warned of more thunderstorms after the century's second-heaviest August rains pounded Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, forcing its Baiyun airport, one of the world's busiest, to cancel 363 flights and delay 311.

The day before, the skies above Hong Kong and the high-tech cities of China's Pearl River Delta turned livid and dumped the heaviest August rainfall since 1884 on the Asian financial hub, according to Reuters.

A landslide caused by intense rainfall has killed four people and left eight missing near Chengde in Hebei province, Xinhua reported.

In Beijing’s Miyun district, over 4,400 people were evacuated as floods and landslides hit villages, cutting power to more than 10,000 residents.

Flood alerts have been issued in at least 11 provinces, including Beijing and Shanxi, with more heavy rain expected in the coming days.

Authorities have sent emergency teams to Hebei and allocated 50m yuan ($7m) for recovery. Scientists link the surge in extreme weather to climate change and the intensifying East Asian monsoon, according to Xinhua.

Heavy rains in the evenings and intense heat in the daytime are exacerbating the risk of dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases across the country.

With more rainfall predicted this monsoon compared to preceding seasons, health authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid potential outbreaks.

Data from the World Health Organization show that dengue—an illness transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with dengue virus (DENV)—afflicts 100m-400m people around the world every year.

According to government statistics, Nepal saw one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history, with 52,557 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, in 2022. While the numbers dropped in 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reported 34,385 cases and 13 deaths, affecting 76 districts across the country. 

Aware of a serious threat to public health arising from the vector-borne disease, the government has already implemented a regular surveillance and monitoring system through an early warning and reporting mechanism.

At the same time, it has strengthened integrated vector management strategies for mosquito surveillance with the objective of controlling vectors that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue and zika. These strategies combine various control methods, including biological, chemical, environmental and public health education, to optimize resource use and achieve sustainable vector control.

The EDCD has projected that more than 60,000 people could contract dengue across the country this year, and prepared an action plan to mitigate possible outbreaks.

The EDCD’s estimate is based on past trends, climatic conditions and the early onset of cases this year. The division is currently coordinating with local governments and health institutions to strengthen surveillance, awareness campaigns and vector control measures.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using protective clothing as well as repellents.

Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has recommended halting construction works for four months—from July to October—to control dengue and save lives. 

Minister Paudel also emphasized the importance of a cleanliness campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and asked all to join it. He stated that raising awareness is key to preventing the spread of dengue. “It is essential to inform the public and work together,” he said. Minister Paudel urged everyone to keep their surroundings free of dengue larvae to protect themselves and others. He also asked citizens to take part in regular sanitation efforts every Friday, from July to October.

Dr Anup Subedee, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized the importance of raising awareness to prevent the spread of dengue. “While awareness programs are going on, the government, local authorities and communities must work together to make them effective,” he said: In particular, the government must remain vigilant, as we expect a rise in dengue cases this season.

Dr Subedee warned that the current period is a transitional phase, with changing weather and noticeable climate shifts. “The peak season for the spread of dengue has not arrived yet. When it arrives, we fear that more people will suffer—possibly for a prolonged period because of the climatic shift,” he added.

Using bed nets, applying mosquito repellent creams for short-term protection, keeping the surroundings clean and removing stagnant water are some of the effective ways to reduce the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Subedee noted that dengue can come with a variety of symptoms. “Not all cases require hospital visits. For minor symptoms like headaches and body aches, people don’t need to visit hospitals. They can take care of their health at home by taking paracetamol and staying well-hydrated with fluids such as pulses, soup, juice and other liquids,” he said.

Dr Subedee added, “Some cases require medical attention. If someone experiences persistent fever and severe body pain for more than 3-4 days, they should visit a hospital as soon as possible and consult a doctor. In more serious cases, dengue can affect internal organs such as the lungs and pancreas.”

Though rare, severe dengue can lead to serious complications such as acute pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), affecting the pancreas and lungs. These conditions may result from direct viral damage, immune responses or plasma leakage. Symptoms like abdominal pain and fever can delay diagnosis, and even if fever subsides, dengue should still be suspected in patients showing other symptoms associated with the disease. In severe cases, especially dengue hemorrhagic fever, organ damage and respiratory failure may occur, emphasizing the need for early recognition and medical attention.

Dengue rapid test kits available at government health institutions can help with timely diagnosis that is so crucial in saving lives. Furthermore, the EDCD has approved and published a comprehensive dengue prevention and control action plan on the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025.

With the rise of dengue patients in the hospital, labs and most hospitals take this as an opportunity to take benefit from the citizens. Addressing the issue, Minister Paudel stated, “We will try to make dengue testing free and if that’s not possible, we will set a fixed rate. He warned against fleecing the poor and suffering people in the name of testing.

Minister Paudel admitted that the government needs to do more on the dengue control front, adding that it is preparing to collaborate with the media for disseminating relevant information among the public.

In one month of this year's monsoon, 674 water-induced disasters were reported from across the country with 31 casualties and 112 injuries. 

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 87 landslide incidents were recorded during the review period. 

These events partially damaged 25 houses and destroyed 11. Additionally, 14 animals were killed and seven cow sheds were destroyed. 

The estimated physical loss from landslides amounted to Rs 22.01 million.

Flooding incidents numbered 64, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to seven others. 

As many as 123 families were affected by the floods.

Lightning strikes proved to be the deadliest, claiming 82 lives and injuring 20 people.

In 45 reported cases of wind-related disasters, one person was killed and three others were injured. 

The physical loss from these incidents was estimated at Rs 2.6 million. 

The Ministry of Health and Population has started preparations for necessary preparedness for the prevention and control of pandemic during the monsoon. 

Health Minister Pradip Paudel held a preparation meeting which took six decisions regarding response and prevention in view of the possibility of different types of infection, diseases and pandemic in the rainy season.  

During the meeting with health officers involved in disaster response and pandemic control today, Minister Paudel directed them for preparedness by identifying the problems on time. 

According to Minister Paudel's Private Secretariat, the Department of Health Services would make necessary preparations for the management of cleanliness and clean water by identifying the places vulnerable to outbreak of pandemic. 

Similarly, the National Health Education Information and Communication Centre would carry out activities for the dissemination of effective information up to local levels for raising awareness on the use of clean water.  

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division would collect necessary information and forward preparation by holding virtual meetings with rapid response teams of all local levels. 

The Division would update the details of those trained for health related disaster control and assign them in all seven provinces as per the need. 

Likewise, necessary preparations would be initiated by coordinating with the National Emergency Operation Centre and Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centre.  

The meeting took the decision where the Department of Health Services would submit the proposal in the ministry within a week in order to amend the 'Infectious Disease Act, 2020' as per the changing context and need.