KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Nepal experienced historic rainfall and high temperatures in September 2024, the highest in four decades.
A preliminary report from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology shows that Nepal received 170.1 percent more rainfall than the average in September. Typically, the average rainfall in September is 242.90 millimeters, but this year, 413.1 millimeters of rain was recorded. This is the highest amount of rainfall measured in September since 1981.
This month, various regions from Bagmati to the Far West received over 400 millimeters of rainfall. The highest rainfall was recorded in Hetauda, with 778.7 millimeters. A record for the highest single-day rainfall was also set this month.
Frigid morning recorded in Kathmandu with minimum temperature o...
On September 28, 410 millimeters of rainfall was recorded at the Daman station within a 24-hour period, making it the heaviest single-day rainfall of the month.
Towards the end of the monsoon, a deep low-pressure system near Bangladesh and West Bengal triggered heavy rainfall in Nepal. This unusual rainfall at the end of the monsoon season has made the signs of climate change even more apparent. The rainfall caused significant damage to life and property, especially in the central and eastern parts of the country.
Not only rainfall, but also temperatures in September reached new highs in most parts of the country. In Lahan, the highest temperature of 39.5°C was recorded on September 23. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported that most regions experienced above-average maximum temperatures throughout September. The minimum temperatures in many areas were also above average, resulting in warmer-than-usual conditions both day and night.
This unusual pattern of rain and heat has compelled many to question whether the extreme rainfall and rising temperatures are a lasting effect of climate change. Both rural and urban areas of the country have started experiencing its direct impacts. The excessive rainfall has caused floods and landslides in many places, severely affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
This event has pushed the government to reconsider disaster management and climate adaptation strategies. Just Wednesday, the World Bank approved a loan of 150 million USD (around Rs 20 billion) to Nepal to improve emergency response and disaster resilience capabilities.
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