Kathmandu, November 12: Despite heavier-than-average rainfall this year, the damage and loss of life during the 2082 monsoon season were significantly lower compared to last year, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Last year, Nepal recorded 2,139 disaster incidents, while this year the number dropped to 1,454 incidents.
Fewer Deaths and Damages Reported
A total of 140 people lost their lives in disasters this year, compared to 495 deaths last year. Similarly, 5,995 households were affected this year, down from 10,823 households last year. The number of missing persons decreased from 66 to 30, and the number of injured individuals dropped from 522 to 300, according to the authority’s report.
Disaster Breakdown
During the 2082 monsoon, Nepal experienced 292 floods, 513 landslides, 397 incidents of heavy rainfall, and 252 lightning strikes.
Floods caused 37 deaths, 26 missing persons, and 14 injuries, directly affecting 3,200 households.
Landslides led to 67 deaths, 4 missing, and 77 injuries, affecting 1,518 households.
Heavy rainfall resulted in 7 deaths and 20 injuries, impacting 966 households.
Lightning caused 29 deaths, 189 injuries, and affected 311 households.
Monsoon Duration and Rainfall
The monsoon entered Nepal on Jestha 15, 2082, a few days earlier than usual, and lasted 135 days before withdrawing on October 10.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal recorded 1,375.4 mm of rainfall during the monsoon 97.23% of the national average of 1,415.5 mm.
Although rainfall was slightly above average, human and physical losses were lower than last year.
Major Incidents
Towards the end of the monsoon (Oct 3-6), 53 people lost their lives, with Ilam District being the hardest hit-39 deaths were reported there. The government declared Ilam a “Disaster Crisis Area” for three months.
In Rasuwa District, a major flood in the Bhotekoshi River on Asar 24 left 18 people missing; 11 bodies and human remains were later found. The flood swept away the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, caused billions of rupees in losses to dry ports and hydropower projects, and washed away 76 vehicles loaded with cargo.
At the beginning of the monsoon, Madhesh Province faced severe drought, prompting the government to declare it a drought-affected area for three months starting Shrawan 8.
Government Response
Officials credit reduced losses to better preparedness. The government implemented the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan 2082, coordinating efforts across agencies. A command center, led by the NDRRMA Executive Chief, operated continuously for 38 hours, ensuring close coordination and timely response among all stakeholders.
Disaster Trend Over the Past 10 Years
According to NDRRMA:
2073: 642 incidents, 289 deaths
2074: 624 incidents, 289 deaths
2075: 693 incidents, 122 deaths
2076: 846 incidents, 203 deaths
2077: 1,015 incidents, 382 deaths
2078: 737 incidents, 165 deaths
2079: 712 incidents, 179 deaths
2080: 891 incidents, 92 deaths
2081: 2,139 incidents, 495 deaths
2082: 1,454 incidents, 140 deaths
Overall, despite prolonged monsoon rains and localized disasters, Nepal saw fewer fatalities and less destruction in 2082, showing the positive impact of improved disaster preparedness and coordinated response efforts.
