Monsoon strengthens nation-wide, prompting heavy rain and flood warnings

The monsoon has intensified across the country, bringing widespread rainfall and raising the risk of floods, landslides, and travel disruptions across much of the country, according to weather and disaster management authorities.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) said the monsoon trough has shifted slightly north of its average position in western Nepal, while remaining near its normal location in the east. Cloudy skies have covered the country, with light to moderate rainfall already reported in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces.

Forecasters expect thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across most hilly, mountainous, and Tarai regions throughout the day, with snowfall possible in high Himalayan areas. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Koshi, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces, while isolated areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Madhesh provinces may also experience intense downpours. Authorities have warned that some locations in Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim could receive extremely heavy rainfall.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged residents to remain alert, warning that prolonged rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, inundation, debris flows, and riverbank erosion. The agency said preparations for emergency response have been stepped up in coordination with security agencies and local authorities.

Acting Executive Chief Pradeep Kumar Koirala said the gates of the Koshi Barrage would be opened if river flows reached critical levels. Flood monitoring officials said river conditions are being tracked continuously, with 21 districts currently facing a moderate flood risk.

Heavy rainfall has already disrupted transportation in several parts of the country. Police have imposed overnight travel restrictions on the BP Highway between Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli, where all vehicles are barred from operating between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. until further notice due to flood concerns. Similar restrictions are in place on the Kanti Lokpath between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Meanwhile, landslides and debris have blocked several major roads, including sections of the Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchok, the Kaligandaki Corridor in Baglung, the Saljhandi–Dhorpatan Road in Arghakhanchi, and multiple stretches of the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok. Traffic has also been suspended on the Mechi Highway in Ilam because of muddy road conditions.

The DHM reported that Amarpur in Dang recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours with 107 millimetres, followed by 103 millimetres in Sindhupalchok and 69 millimetres in West Nawalparasi.

Flash flood warnings have been issued for dozens of districts across eastern, central, western, and far-western Nepal, including Kathmandu Valley and several surrounding districts. Although major river systems, including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali, and Mahakali, remain below danger levels, authorities cautioned that water levels could rise rapidly if heavy rainfall persists.

Officials have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas, and closely follow weather and emergency advisories as the monsoon system continues to strengthen.

Meanwhile, the Kathmandu District Administration Office has issued a travel advisory urging people traveling into or out of the Kathmandu Valley to exercise extra caution due to the risk of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides during the monsoon.

The office advised travellers to follow weather updates from DHM and take special care, particularly during nighttime travel on days of forecast heavy rain, citing past incidents of serious damage caused by floods and landslides.