Heavy Monsoon Rainfall in Kathmandu (September 2024)
1. Heavy Monsoon Rainfall in Kathmandu (September 2024)
Monsoon Season Impact: Kathmandu is facing severe weather conditions due to ongoing monsoon rains. Torrential downpours have affected daily life, leading to rising water levels in rivers like the Bagmati. This situation is common during the peak monsoon period, but the current rainfall has been unusually intense, causing widespread concerns.
Weather Forecast for Kathmandu: Meteorological departments have warned that the rain will continue for several days, with thunder and lightning expected to accompany the heavy rainfall. The forecast includes significant rain for the Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, increasing the likelihood of further natural disasters.
2. Flooding and Landslides in Kathmandu Valley
Flood Risk in Bagmati River: With water levels exceeding danger marks, the Bagmati River poses a serious flood risk. Combined with the release of water from the Kulekhani Hydropower Project, the situation has become critical, particularly for downstream areas.
Landslide Prone Areas in Kathmandu: Kathmandu’s hilly terrain has experienced multiple landslides due to the heavy rainfall. More than 23 roadways have been blocked across the country, particularly on major routes such as the Tribhuvan and Prithvi highways, severely affecting transport. Key roadways such as the Kathmandu-Kodari and Naubise-Pokhara highways have also been disrupted.
3. Transport and Road Blockages
Road Conditions in Nepal: Landslides and floods have led to full blockages at 63 locations across 23 roadways, halting traffic and causing severe transport disruptions in Kathmandu and surrounding regions. Road closures have been reported along vital highways such as the Kathmandu section of the Prithvi Highway, the Tribhuvan Highway, and the Kathmandu-Kodari Highway, obstructing entry to the valley.
Infrastructure Damage: Several bridges are under threat of collapse or have already been washed away, including the Larcha Bridge in Sindhupalchowk, significantly disrupting connectivity. The Roshi River has flooded, damaging sections of the Prithvi Highway.
4. Power and Communication Outages in Kathmandu
Outages in Affected Areas: In some regions, power and internet services have been disrupted due to the heavy rains and landslides. This has made it difficult for people to stay informed, and it has slowed down government efforts to gather accurate data on the extent of the damage.
5. Government Response to Floods and Landslides in Nepal
Flood and Landslide Warnings: Authorities have issued multiple warnings, advising residents to avoid travel through affected areas and to remain cautious, especially near rivers and hilly terrain. Emergency teams have been deployed for rescue and relief efforts.
Rescue Operations: Government agencies and security personnel are actively involved in rescue operations. More than 750 people have already been rescued from vulnerable areas in the Kathmandu Valley. Relief efforts continue, with residents being urged to monitor weather updates
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