Heavy monsoon rains have triggered widespread flash floods and landslides across Nepal, blocking 11 key national highways and severely impacting transportation and daily life in several hilly districts. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has issued a strong weather advisory, predicting heavy rainfall across the country till July 21, 2025, and cautioning that the weather system is expected to move gradually from eastern to western Nepal.

The Home Ministry has urged residents, especially those living near major rivers, to maintain extreme caution. The advisory warns that the Koshi, Tamor, Arun, Tamakoshi, Dudhkoshi, and Kankai rivers in eastern Nepal are projected to see dangerous increases in water levels, with the Koshi River possibly breaching danger marks.

In central Nepal, the Bagmati River is expected to cause flooding in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, in the west, the Mahakali River and its tributaries are also likely to overflow, potentially affecting communities downstream by Monday afternoon.

Highways Severely Affected

The widespread rainfall-induced disasters have led to the closure of major road networks, isolating several regions. Among the highways reported as completely blocked are:

• Koshi Highway in Sankhuwasabha

• Mechi Highway in Panchthar

• Tamor Corridor Road Section in Panchthar

• Mid-Hill Highway in Panchthar

• Pasang-Lhamu Highway in Rasuwa

• Kali Gandaki Corridor in Baglung

• Jomsom-Lomanthang Road in Mustang

• Sahid Highway in Rolpa

• Jajarkot-Dolpa Bheri Corridor in Rukum West

• Mahakali Highway in Baitadi

These roads are reported as fully inaccessible, with rescue and clearing operations underway. Nepal Police and Home Ministry officials have stated that the severity of the situation has made restoration efforts challenging in certain high-altitude and landslide-prone areas.

Other road sections, though not completely shut, are functioning in a limited one-way capacity, such as:

• Tokha (Kathmandu) to Nuwakot

• Kali Gandaki Corridor in Baglung Municipality

• Mid-Hill Highway in Galkot, Baglung

• Kali Gandaki Corridor in East Nawalparasi

• Sahid Highway in Parivartan Rural Municipality, Rolpa

Impacted Regions and River Basins

The Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Syangja, Palpa, Nawalparasi, and Rupandehi districts have all been flagged as high-risk zones due to their proximity to the Narayani river watershed, which could experience intense flooding. Additionally, moderate impact is expected in the Rapti and Babai regions of western Nepal.

Landslides have been particularly frequent in steep hill areas, and the accumulated debris has cut off access to vital services, delaying food supply, healthcare, and communication in already vulnerable mountain communities.

Hydropower Sector on High Alert

The Independent Power Producers Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has issued an advisory to all hydropower operators to remain on high alert for the next three days. Many hydropower plants in Nepal are located along riverbanks and are particularly vulnerable to surging water volumes and debris flows.

IPPAN's alert calls for real-time monitoring of water inflows, emergency protocols activation, and readiness for evacuation where necessary to avoid human and material losses. With Nepal's electricity grid heavily reliant on run-of-the-river hydropower plants, protecting this infrastructure is considered a critical national priority.

Government’s Emergency Measures

The Home Ministry, in coordination with local administrations and disaster management agencies, has activated emergency response teams. Rescue equipment, food supplies, and medical assistance are being dispatched to high-risk areas, especially those that have become inaccessible due to blocked roads.

Officials from the Department of Roads have begun deploying personnel and machinery to clear landslide debris, but continuous rainfall is hampering progress.

Weather authorities continue to monitor cloud movements and river gauges. Alerts are being sent through radio, television, and mobile platforms in affected regions.

Call for Public Caution

Authorities have made a strong appeal to the general public to:

• Avoid travel along vulnerable roadways unless absolutely necessary

• Stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone zones

• Prepare emergency kits with food, water, medicine, and documents

• Follow official advisories issued by DHM, local government, and police

The public has also been asked to cooperate with emergency services and report any blocked routes, damaged bridges, or unusual river behavior to their local authorities.

Outlook Beyond July 21

While the current intense weather pattern is expected to last until late July 21, further rainfall is not ruled out in the coming weeks. Monsoon conditions are predicted to remain active throughout late July and August, with intermittent periods of heavy downpours and associated flood risks.

The meteorological department has emphasized that mountainous terrain and glacial river systems make Nepal especially susceptible to flash floods. With climate change amplifying extreme weather events, preparedness and rapid response capacity are increasingly vital for disaster mitigation.

Conclusion

The current natural disaster situation in Nepal, marked by floods, landslides, and infrastructural damage, is a stark reminder of the country’s geographical and climatic vulnerabilities. With 11 major highways blocked, entire districts at risk, and rivers swelling beyond safe limits, the need for swift action, public caution, and inter-agency coordination has never been greater.

As the government and emergency teams mobilize on all fronts, it is crucial for residents to stay informed, stay alert, and cooperate with rescue efforts. With more rain forecasted in the near term, preparedness can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe in Nepal’s ongoing monsoon season.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Sellowrap Industries, Repono, Shanti Gold International, Indiqube Spaces, GNG Electronics, Brigade Hotel Ventures, Patel Chem Specialities, Monarch Surveyors & Engineering Consultants, TSC India, NSDL.

The Current active IPO are Swastika Castal, Savy Infra.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.