Heavy Rainfall Floods Streets in Kathmandu Valley, Especially in Lalitpur’s Khumaltar
Following heavy rainfall on Thursday evening, several roads in Kathmandu have become flooded. The intense rain on the evening of 28 May has particularly affected major roads across Kathmandu Valley, including Kamaladi, Putalisadak, and Tripureshwor, causing significant traffic disruptions. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Lalitpur’s Khumaltar recorded 54.8 millimeters of rainfall within just one hour. Due to the influence of western and local air currents, light to moderate rain is forecasted across all seven provinces on Friday, as reported by the Weather Forecasting Division.
After the evening rainfall, streets in different areas of Kathmandu Valley such as Kamaladi, Putalisadak, Maiti Ghar, Tripureshwor, Bhotahity, and Gwarko have been inundated, with water accumulation making roads impassable and causing difficulties for commuters. Pedestrians and two-wheeler drivers have faced considerable challenges, with some travelers forced to halt mid-route due to the flooding. Additionally, water has seeped into several shops along the roadside near Pragya Bhawan in Kathmandu.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology noted that the 54.8 millimeters of rainfall recorded in Khumaltar over one hour is notably heavy, as rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters over a 24-hour period is classified as heavy rain. Other recorded rainfall amounts include 28.2 millimeters in Kirtipur, 20.8 millimeters in Panipokhari, 14.2 millimeters in Kakani, and 13 millimeters in Naikap.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall has been reported in areas such as Malunga in Syangja, Ridi in Gulmi, and Tansen in Palpa. Meteorologists have explained that the ongoing activity of western winds, local air currents, and a low-pressure system near Nepal’s eastern region continues to promote cloud formation and precipitation. Although the rainfall in Kathmandu Valley has currently lessened, there is a possibility of renewed rainfall in the coming hours. Due to persistent cloud activity over Nepal, widespread rain is expected in many areas on Friday.
Rojen Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, indicated that rainfall will likely be heavier during the morning and night compared to daytime on Friday. He stated, “Light to moderate rain is expected in all seven provinces on Friday.” He further noted that the presence of warm air over the western Terai also contributes to the likelihood of rain, which will help provide some relief from the current heat. Some weather experts have advised caution, warning that Friday’s rainfall could increase the risk of flash floods in certain locations.
