Meteorologists have predicted yet another spell of torrential rains in different parts of the country and cautioned people about landslides and flashfloods that may cause devastation along riverside settlements. Rivers such as Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, Tinau and West Rapti have now been put on the danger list and the downstream dwellers need to remain high on alert to save lives and valuables in case of calamities. Heavy rains in the hills cause floods in the rivers and the settlements and physical infrastructure lying close to the rivers come under risk. Many roads run along these rivers and marketplaces have been established in these low lying areas due to commercial prospects, without considering the potential risks during the rainy season. Farmlands, bridges, roads, power plants and electricity transmission lines may be damaged when swollen rivers roar down the slope and cause widespread erosion. For instance, the Arniko Highway running along the Bhote Koshi River in Sindhupalchowk district and connecting the border point with China’s Tibet at Tatopani has been badly damaged by floods over the years. Heavy damage to the highway has occurred this year too.

Only a week ago, torrential rains caused serious devastations in Sindhupalchok, Gulmi, Myagdi, Tanahu, Dhading and other districts. Dozens of houses were swept away, scores of people were killed and many others went missing. Heavy losses of livestock and other property were inflicted in addition to damage made to vital infrastructure such as roads, power transmission lines and bridges. Weather watchers have warned of another round of monsoon-induced disasters that are likely to strike different parts of the country till Wednesday. Meteorologists have warned that major rivers flowing down to States 1, 2 and 5 in the Terai belt may be severely affected by floods and inundation. Flashfloods and landslides are expected in the hilly regions of Gandaki Pradesh and the Chure belt right at the Terai foothills. Monsoon rains take dangerous turn when excessive form of downpour and cloudbursts take place within a short span of time. While landslips threaten hill settlements, rivers in the plains breach the embankments and inundate town and villages.

Water-induced disasters are not new for Nepal. They are happening very often, if not every year. So, their regular trends should teach us a lot of lessons regarding prepared for search, rescue and rehabilitation of victims. We should bear in mind that rescuing the victims and providing them with relief materials is difficult because transport infrastructure is in bad shape during this time and inclement weather significantly hampers mobility. We need to mobilise rescue rafts, build helipads at higher grounds, open community shelters, conduct rescue drills and mobilise local volunteers and security personnel to deal with the monsoon calamities. When highways get blocked by landslides, bridges are swept away and airport runways in the Terai get inundated, helicopters come handy in search and rescue operations. But they need safe bases and reliable weather forecast system to conduct flights during inclement weather. When the plains get submerged in water, availability of safe drinking water becomes a problem. After search and rescue, there comes a relief phase which calls of supply of food, medicines and medical workers. Good preparations can do a lot to minimise monsoon disaster risks and save lives.