Taming Monsoon Menace

Pallav Bhusal

As the monsoon season descends upon Nepal, the nation once again finds itself grappling with the devastating impacts of relentless rainfall. Since the onset of monsoon, floods and landslides have claimed many lives, with many more injured and displaced. The tragic news underscores a pressing reality, Nepal must urgently bolster its disaster preparedness to mitigate the annual havoc wrought by the monsoon.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRMA), eight out of these 14 fatalities were due to landslides, five were caused by lightning, and one by flooding. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent families torn apart and communities plunged into despair. This year, the monsoon has already triggered 147 incidents across 33 districts, revealing the vulnerability of Nepal’s topography and infrastructure.

Nepal’s geographical blessings are also its curse. The same rugged, majestic landscapes that draw tourists from around the world are prone to deadly landslides when saturated with monsoon rains. Deforestation and unchecked urbanisation exacerbate these natural vulnerabilities. Poorly planned settlements and inadequate drainage systems turn heavy rains into deadly torrents, sweeping away homes and livelihoods.

The economic toll is staggering. Every year, tens of thousands of people are affected, with homes destroyed, roads washed away, and farmland rendered unusable. The government’s estimate that 1.8 million people could be impacted by this year’s monsoon season is a grim forecast of the widespread suffering to come. Preparedness is no longer a choice but a necessity. Despite some progress in disaster risk reduction, Nepal’s response mechanisms remain insufficiently proactive. The current strategy often appears reactive rather than anticipatory, leading to preventable loss of life and property.

Enhancing early warning systems is an important step. Advanced weather forecasting technologies and real-time monitoring systems can provide timely alerts, enabling communities to evacuate and take preventive measures. However, technology alone is not enough. Infrastructure must be resilient, flood-resistant buildings, reinforced embankments, and efficient drainage systems are essential to withstand the monsoon’s fury.

Community awareness and training are equally crucial. Educating people about disaster preparedness, conducting regular drills, and providing training on evacuation procedures can empower individuals to act decisively during emergencies. This knowledge can save lives when disaster strikes. Reforestation and sustainable land management practices can mitigate the risk of landslides. Planting trees and managing land use sustainably not only stabilize the soil but also restore ecological balance. These measures are long-term investments in the safety and well-being of future generations.

Strengthening policies related to land use, construction, and disaster management is also imperative. Effective governance and robust institutional frameworks can ensure that risk reduction measures are implemented consistently and efficiently. Adequate funding and staffing for disaster response agencies are necessary to translate policies into action.

The recurring monsoon disasters are a clarion call for comprehensive action. As climate change continues to exacerbate the intensity and frequency of such events, the need for preparedness becomes even more critical. By investing in resilient infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and empowering communities, Nepal can navigate the monsoon season with greater resilience and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of its people. The time for action is now, and the cost of inaction is too high to bear.