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.
