KATHMANDU, JUNE 13

Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had issued a cautionary message urging all to remain vigilant this monsoon season.

This year's monsoon arrived on Friday, June 11 the effects of which were first observed in Province 1, Province 2 and Bagmati Province. It is currently also active in Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces.

This monsoon is expected to spread throughout most of the country in one or two days.

DHM, in a press note issued Saturday, stated that a forecast has been made on the basis of climate model according to which there will be more than average rainfall this season in most parts of Sudur Paschim, Karnali, Gandaki and Bagmati Provinces; central part of Province 1; and mid as well as western hilly and mountainous regions.

Similarly, it has been mentioned that plain areas of Lumbini, Gandaki and Bagmati Provinces and western part of Province 2 will receive average rainfall while Tarai areas of Province 1 and eastern districts of Province 2 will receive below average rainfall this season.

As per the MFD, the weather today is expected to be generally to mostly cloudy throughout the country with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at many places. There are also chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Province 2, Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province.

Meanwhile, small rivers or rivulets flowing through the Chure and Tarai regions of Province 2, Lumbini and Sudur Pashchim Provinces, along with mid-hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki Provinces are going to see slight increment in the flow of water due to momentary medium rainfall today.

Additionally, there is a chance of flash floods in few flood-prone areas; as such people residing in and around such areas have been asked to remain vigilant and take adequate precautions.

The Department also informed that there is a probability of increment in floods and landslides related risks this year.

As per the DHM, flow of water in large and medium rivers is likely to rise significantly while in small rivulets and brooks there is a possibility of flash floods which is likely to inundate areas of Tarai and Chure region.

The department has, therefore, made an appeal to everyone in the above mentioned areas, including all the stakeholders, to take necessary precautions.

For queries and further information, the Department has shared a 24-hour telephone number 01-4113111 (weather related) and toll free number 1155 (floods related).