{"id":25968,"date":"2026-09-22T10:57:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T05:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=25968"},"modified":"2026-09-22T10:57:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T05:12:36","slug":"heavy-rainfall-warning-nepals-preparedness-faces-another-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=25968","title":{"rendered":"Heavy Rainfall Warning: Nepal\u2019s Preparedness Faces Another Test<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dragon Media Editorial<\/strong><\/p>\n

Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of Nepal from September 24 to 28, corresponding to Ashoj 8\u201312. Meteorologists have warned that a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal could influence weather conditions in Nepal. Although the precise timing, intensity and geographical distribution of rainfall remain uncertain, the potential risks demand immediate attention. For communities recently affected by flooding, families living in temporary shelters and residents dependent on damaged roads, this forecast is more than a routine weather update. It is an opportunity to prepare before another emergency develops.<\/p>\n

Nepal must draw a clear lesson from previous disasters. Deploying rescue teams after flooding begins, searching for alternative routes after roads collapse and arranging emergency accommodation only after settlements are inundated are not sufficient responses. When advance warnings are available, failing to prepare vulnerable communities represents a preventable weakness in disaster management. This time, federal, provincial and local authorities must establish their responsibilities before the rainfall begins. They should already know which settlements face danger, who will communicate warnings, where residents can seek shelter and how emergency rescue operations will be organised.<\/p>\n

The first priority is to communicate weather information in language that ordinary citizens can understand. A general announcement that heavy rainfall may occur across the country is not enough. Wherever possible, warnings should identify vulnerable districts, river basins, road sections and settlements. Because forecasts can change, responsible agencies must provide regular updates. Media organisations also have an important responsibility: rather than spreading fear through unverified warnings, old footage or sensational headlines, they should prioritise official information, explain the nature of the risks and communicate practical safety measures.<\/p>\n

Local governments have a particularly important role at this stage. They should immediately assess the circumstances of households along riverbanks, on landslide-prone slopes, in flood-exposed settlements across the Tarai and in areas damaged by previous disasters. Special arrangements are needed for older people, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and residents requiring regular medical treatment. Schools, community buildings and other suitable structures can be prepared as temporary shelters, but arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, medicines, lighting and security must be made at the same time.<\/p>\n

Road safety must be treated as an essential part of disaster preparedness rather than a routine transport-management issue. Many of Nepal\u2019s highways run alongside rivers or through unstable mountain terrain. Heavy rainfall could create additional dangers along recently damaged roads, temporarily reopened routes and weakened bridges. The Department of Roads, local administrations and security agencies should identify vulnerable sections and strengthen monitoring. Where risks become severe, authorities must be prepared to restrict traffic before accidents occur. Preventing journeys through dangerous areas is more effective than rescuing passengers after they become stranded.<\/p>\n

Rescue readiness is another foundation of effective preparation. The Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local disaster management committees and health institutions must have clearly defined responsibilities. Boats, ropes, life-saving equipment, communication devices, first-aid supplies and suitable vehicles should be positioned near areas of anticipated risk. Because a disaster in one district can disrupt roads and communications in neighbouring districts, coordination across administrative boundaries is equally important. Critical rescue time must not be lost while personnel wait for instructions or agencies debate their responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Individual and household preparedness is just as necessary. Every family should assess the risks surrounding its home and identify a safe location and a route to reach it. Medicines, drinking water, essential documents, mobile charging equipment and other necessities should be kept ready for evacuation. Family members should also agree on how to contact one another if they become separated. People living in vulnerable locations should not delay moving to safety once an official warning indicates that evacuation is necessary.<\/p>\n

The actual intensity and distribution of rainfall will become clearer as the weather system develops. Complete certainty, however, is not a prerequisite for preparedness. If emergency supplies and rescue arrangements are ultimately not needed, that will be a welcome outcome. If a disaster occurs, the uncertainty of weather forecasts cannot justify a failure to act on the warning already available.<\/p>\n

Government performance should not be measured solely by the amount of relief distributed after a disaster. More important questions are how many vulnerable citizens received timely information, how many families reached safety and how many potential deaths and injuries were prevented.<\/p>\n

The approaching rainfall has given Nepal another opportunity to demonstrate that lessons from previous disasters have been translated into action. This time, the national priority must be responsible preparation before disaster strikes, not merely a response after the damage has been done.<\/p>\n

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