Over 2 million likely to be affected by monsoon-related incidents: NDRRMA

KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) estimates that over 2 million people from 450,000 households will be affected by monsoon-related incidents this year.

The NDRRMA made the forecast in its Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan 2025. Ram Bahadur KC, the spokesperson for the NDRRMA, said they estimate that around 10% of the affected population may require rescue and relief. “We estimate that this year’s monsoon will impact 2 million people. All provinces will be affected, and responsibilities have been assigned accordingly,” said KC. “We have assessed existing resources, identified additional needs, and developed the action plan based on those evaluations.”

The action plan will be implemented once it is approved by the Executive Board of the NDRRMA, chaired by the home minister.

According to KC, the action plan also includes provisions for monitoring, evaluation and regular reviews of disaster situations every one to two months.

Earlier, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology released the seasonal monsoon forecast, predicting above-average rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures (both maximum and minimum) across much of the country.

The department has identified eastern parts of Karnali Province, northern Lumbini Province, and most areas of Gandaki Province as regions likely to be heavily affected by rainfall.