Excessive rainfall in Jhapa and 32 other locations nationwide

Kathmandu, September 27 — In the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall has been recorded in Chandragadhi, Jhapa, with 302 millimeters according to the measurement center at Chandragadhi Airport operated by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Meteorologist Shanti Kandel informed Ratopati that continuous rainfall has been occurring nationwide since Thursday, with significant and excessive rain reported from Koshi to Karnali Province. However, she noted that there hasn’t been much rainfall in Karnali Province.

She stated, "There is heavy rainfall everywhere except in Karnali Province, with Jhapa receiving the highest rainfall. Many places have experienced significant rainfall, while some areas have seen excessive amounts. The Chandragadhi station in Jhapa recorded 302 millimeters."

She explained that the current rainfall is due to monsoonal winds. The moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal and a low-pressure area developed in Madhya Pradesh, India, have led to the heavy rainfall in Nepal.

Kandel added, "At this time, moisture-laden air is coming from the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and a low-pressure area developed in Madhya Pradesh. The moisture primarily originates from the Bay of Bengal. As this system moves, it develops in Madhya Pradesh and enters Nepal, resulting in significant rainfall. The current rains are attributed to the low-pressure area associated with the monsoonal winds."

She indicated that heavy rainfall is expected until tomorrow (Saturday), after which conditions will gradually improve.

The department reported excessive rainfall in 32 locations across the country. In Ilam's Kankai, 298 millimeters of rain was recorded, while Gaura Daha in Jhapa received 250 millimeters. In Jhapa's Kachana, 234 millimeters were noted. Meanwhile, Jalpa in Palpa recorded 200 millimeters.

Significant rainfall has also been reported in Kumalgaon, Palpa, Rajaiya in Makawanpur, Danda and Dumkauli in East Nawalparasi, Khaanchhikot in Arghakhanchi, Gadakot in Palpa, Semari in East Nawalparasi, Lumbini, Baldyangadhi, Jalpa and Archale in Palpa, Kalaiya in Bara, Lele in Lalitpur, Barmajhiya in Saptari, and several areas in Jhapa such as Kachana, Shanishchare, Anarmani Birta, Gaura Daha, and Bahundangi. Other locations with significant rainfall include Biratnagar Airport, Sundarpur in Udayapur, Bahuni in Morang, Kanyam Tea Garden in Ilam, Kankai Mainachuli, and Mudali in Parsa.

The department has 272 rainfall measurement centers across the country. While many measurement centers reported significant rainfall, others indicated normal precipitation levels. According to measurement centers around Kathmandu, Kirtipur recorded 136 millimeters, Godawari in Lalitpur 113 millimeters, Khumaltar in Lalitpur 122 millimeters, the Panipokhari area in Kathmandu 89 millimeters, Babarmahal 102.8 millimeters, Budhanilkantha 94 millimeters, Dhap Dam area 91.4 millimeters, and Nagarkot in Bhaktapur 101.4 millimeters.

This week, the highest rainfall recorded was 624 millimeters in Dodhara Chandani on Wednesday, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.