Kathmandu, June 11

In view of the approaching monsoon the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has developed an action plan to minimise loss of lives and property caused by monsoon related natural disasters.

Monsoon usually enters Nepal around the first week of June and lasts until September. Meteorologists say onset of monsoon will be delayed by a few days this year.

As per the action plan provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the DHM, Meteorological Forecasting Division will broadcast a three-day weather forecast to all stakeholders, including media, daily. The weather bulletin will be updated twice a day at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.

“The DHM will work round the-clock.

Flood Forecasting Section under the DHM will issue early warning to people and media about floods through its website about glacial lake outbrusts, by monitoring rivers and streams,” the action plan read.

A computer model developed for three-day flood early warning system will be used to forecast the condition and water level of major rivers like the Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, Bagmati, Babai and West Rapti during monsoon.

“Flood forecast bulletin will be issued at 7:00 am, everyday. Under special circumstances, flood warning may be issued at anytime,” the action plan stated.

The DHM said flood and weather forecast will be provided to the National Emergency Operation Centre under the MoHA, before publishing it on the website of DHM and MFD.

“The forecast will also be provided to all ministries, departments, Nepal Red Cross Society and organisations working for disaster risk management, besides publishing it on social media.

If the water level of rivers reaches or is likely to reach the red mark, general public of the concerned areas will be alerted through SMS by Nepal Telecom and Ncell,” it read. The DHM informed that it would also operate a toll-free number (1155) for providing early information to general public throughout the country.

As many as 454 people were killed and 4,188 injured in monsoon related disasters throughout the country in 2018.