KATHMANDU: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has warned of heavy downpours and thundershowers that could increase risk of landslides and flash floods at few places of western and central region.

“Widespread rain starting from yesterday evening through western region is likely to continue today and it is spreading towards the central and eastern region,” said The Meteorological Forecasting Division, adding, “Precipitation is likely to continue till tomorrow across the country, and it is expected to become stronger in the western region.”

Heavy downpours are likely to trigger floods and landslides in the area where huge swathes of land have been ruptured by the April 25 earthquake and aftershocks.

According to MFD, this year’s monsoon has reached up to the far-western region from yesterday evening and has already covered the country.

The onset of this year’s monsoon was officially declared on June 13 — three days later than the normal date of monsoon onset — after the rain-bearing system built up and entered the eastern parts of the country.

Monsoon generally starts in Nepal on June 10 and spreads over the country in a few days, and remains effective till September 23.

Nepal receives an average of 80 per cent of annual rainfall during the monsoon, which originates in the Bay of Bengal and moves along the southern flanks of the Himalayas, bringing rains to Nepal.