Meteorologists sound risks of monsoon flooding, landslide
Bhaktapur, May 26, Meteorologists have warned that there is high risk of flash
flood, landslides and even outburst of glacial lakes in the country during the
monsoon, urging the people to keep high alert to avert possible natural hazards
in the aftermath of the major earthquake.
In an interaction
programme at Rafat Sanchar Club in Bhaktapur Tuesday, Director General of
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Rhishiram Sharma said monsoon in Nepal
is beginning in a week and soil in many hilly areas has developed crevasses due
to the recent powerful earthquakes, increasing possibility of landslides during
the monsoon. He underlined the need of having preparedness to manage disaster
risks and minimize damages.
The occurrence of
dry mudslides in many part of the country has awakened us to the possible
threats of post-earthquake disasters, he said. Even, the possibility of glacier
lakes outburst cannot be ignored in the wake of the devastating earthquake in
the country, he said.
Assistant
Professor with the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Tribhuvan
University, Kirtipur, and meteorologist Sudip Kayastha said country's weather
has started becoming adverse with the onset of pre monsoon and it is the time
to remain alert to possible havocs.
The
earthquake-ravaged districts –
Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Dhading, Rasuwa and Gorkha – lie in
high risk zones in view of other natural hazards after the earthquake, they
said.