Rains give much-needed relief, douse forest fires

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 9: The current spell of rain has come as a natural remedy against forest fires as it has doused nearly all wildfires across the country.

The much-anticipated rain started to occur on Tuesday and meteorologists say that the precipitation will continue till Thursday. 

Saroj Pudasaini, a senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Forecast Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, expressed optimism that the forest fires, which had largely been brought under control across the country, would wane further in the remaining areas, including Kailali district. He said that the country began receiving precipitation from Wednesday afternoon, raising hopes for a reduction in the intensity of the forest fires.

The rainfall has not only helped settle the dust, ease respiratory issues and improve air quality but also provided essential moisture to parched lands, aiding in the recovery of drought-affected areas, said Pudasaini.

The recent rainfall provided relief from the heatwave in the Tarai districts. On Wednesday, temperatures in various areas were recorded as follows -- Dhangadhi at 33 degrees Celsius, Nepalgunj at 31 degrees Celsius, Janakpur at 28 degrees Celsius, Bhairawa at 28 degrees Celsius, and Birjung at 28 degrees Celsius. These districts had been experiencing a heatwave until this Sunday.

According to Pudasaini, Nepal is currently experiencing the influence of the western wind and local winds, as well as the low-cyclone circulation caused by easterly winds and systems formed around Bihar, India. He added that the rainfall was also attributed to local thunderstorm clouds.

He further added that the Kathmandu Valley is likely to receive rainfall on Thursday, and other weather systems are expected to be active from the coming Saturday and Sunday, which will bring significant rainfall throughout the country.

In some areas of the hilly regions, including sporadic locations, there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds. Similarly, in one or two places in the Tarai region, there is a possibility of light rainfall along with thunderstorms and hailstorms. Additionally, in a few locations of the high mountainous and Himalayan regions of the country, there is a possibility of light snowfall, the DHM said.

Currently, the hilly areas of provinces including Karnali, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini are experiencing rainfall, and this weather system is expected to persist in these areas until Thursday.

Meanwhile, the passengers and staff at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport have encountered inconveniences, including delays, following Wednesday's rainfall. Starting from around 1 pm, water accumulation led to deep flooding in the area where passengers have to undergo security checks with boarding passes and hand luggage.

Furthermore, in the last 24 hours until 7 pm on Wednesday, Tharmare station in Sarlahi recorded the highest rainfall at 59.8 mm. Similarly, Ratanangla station in Surkhet district experienced 54.2 mm of rainfall, Gwati station in Dailekh recorded 52.2 mm, Danda Gaun station in Dailekh district received 45.6 mm, and Dipayal recorded 46.8 mm during the same period, according to DHM.

Meanwhile, our correspondent from Sarlahi reported that people in the Sarlahi district are feeling relief due to the current rainfall. 

The present rainfall eased 

the dust and heatwave in the district and the forest fire in the area also waned.

Farmers in Chure and Chure foothill areas who depend on rainwater are also preparing to plant maize.