Kathmandu, March 18:

The Valley got a respite today after weeks of dry spell. Scanty rainfall was a welcome relief, albeit momentarily, for denizens.

However, the expectation of a torrential downpour — rose due to thunder and lightning — ended in a whimper. The overpowering haze and attendant increase in the humidity has been disconcerting for the past few days. Significantly, the Valley and large parts of the country have not experienced rainfall for the past five months, raising concerns about public health.

“There was a brief shower in the Valley. However, Pokhara and Jumla received 1-2 mm of rainfall today. Rains were reported from Jawalakhel and Kirtipur during the day. While, it rained in other parts during the evening,” said KD Shrestha, a senior divisional meteorologist of Forecasting Division, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. “It’s the premonition of the monsoon. The westerly wind won’t remain stationary any longer. The hilly regions are likely to receive thundershower in the later half of the day soon,” he added.

“Though it didn’t rain for long, I’m happy about it,” said a bystander at Anamnagar.

Weeks of dry spell, coupled with Asian Brown Cloud, comprising black carbon and ash, sulfates, nitrates and mineral dust, has had an adverse impact on the Valley. ABC is largely caused by smoke from wildfires, vehicular and industrial emission and impure cooking gas.

Govt report warns of food shortage:

KATHMANDU: A government report has stated that winter crops have been hit hard due to the drought-like condition. At a conservative estimate, 45 varieties of crops are at risk. The hilly districts of far-west are bearing the brunt. Officials at Ministry for Agriculture (MoA) warned that if the current condition persisted, it could lead to acute food shortage. Large parts of the Tarai, eastern and mid-hilly districts are victims of the freak weather. The yield of seasonal crops like wheat, maize, millet and barley has been affected.

“Late monsoon and dry weather has posed a big threat to crops. This has led to growing food security,” stated the report. Dr Hari Dahal, spokesperson, MoA, said that crops were dying across the nation. “While those harvested are unfit for human consumption,” he added. — HNS