Starting around mid-June, peaking in July and August, and winding down in early September, the monsoon, rainfall brings rain, humidity and an increase in temperatures across most of Nepal. True — mountain views are often obscured by cloud, temperatures get uncomfortable, it rains daily, and yes, there are leeches.
Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides across three countries in South Asia – Nepal, India, and Bangladesh – have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk.It is estimateed that more than 12 million people, including about five million children have been affected.
Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides across three countries in South Asia – Nepal, India, and Bangladesh – have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk. UNICEF estimates that more than 12 million people, including about five million children have been affected.
As Nepal lies within the Indian subcontinent on the southern slopes of the great Himalayas, the country has a significant summer monsoon season. Typically, an average of 105 rainy days are recorded in Nepal, with around 80% of the rain falling in the monsoons. The monsoon in Nepal has its origin in the Bay of Bengal and runs along the southern flanks of the Himalayas. The eastern part of the country receives a little more rainfall from the monsoons.
The monsoons are important for agriculture and plant diversity. Most of Nepal’s population lives from agriculture. Since the land does not have a developed irrigation system, the farmers use the monsoon season to sow. The farmers help each other and provide workers so that each family can plant during the water-rich time. During the rainy season, rice is planted in the fields in addition to maize and millet. Rice is the Nepalese staple food.
In the countryside, the masses of water from the overflowing rivers are a danger for many. Floods often mean that the villagers not only lose their meager belongings, but also the valuable seeds for the next season. Due to the massive deforestation of the forests, many mountain villages are also threatened by landslides when the rain softens the steep, fallow slopes. Masses of earth and mudslides bury everything that gets in their way.
In the mountainous region of Mugu we have to declare a temporary construction freeze for the birth houses or schools under construction every monsoons, because the paths are flooded or blocked by landslides. The continuous rain makes the construction work temporarily impossible.
The monsoon with all its facets remains formative for the country and the life of the people of Nepal. Every year we are happy and grateful when the local people remain unharmed and we can continue to reach and support the residents in our project areas.
“Millions of children have seen their lives turned upside down by the torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides,” said Jean Gough, “As the rains continue, these numbers are only likely to grow.The people and government is responding urgently, working with local authorities and partners to ensure children are kept safe, and provide the support needed,”.
Whilst many areas remain inaccessible due to damage to roads, bridges and railways, the most urgent needs for children are clean water, hygiene supplies to prevent the spread of disease, food supplies and safe places in evacuation centres for children to play.
In India, more than ten million people have been affected across Assam, Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh and other north-eastern states, including more than 4.3 million children. As the situation develops these numbers are only likely to increase. In Assam alone, almost 2,000 schools have been damaged by floodwaters. Whilst parts of the country have been suffering from heavy rainfall and flooding, other parts are still reeling from the aftermath of severe heat and water deficit, affecting almost half of the country.
In Nepal, estimated 68,666 people are temporarily displaced, including 28,702 children. A total of 88 people have died, including 47 children (15 girls and 32 boys). 31 people are missing while 41 have been injured, according to the latest reports from the Government of Nepal. Nearly 12,000 households have been temporarily displaced in central and eastern Nepal. However, many affected families have started going back home since the rains have decreased and water level receded.
In Bangladesh, monsoon rains continue to affect most of the country, particularly the central-northern and south east regions. More than two million people have been affected by flooding, including around 700,510 children. An estimated 367,341 houses have been damaged or destroyed and 1,866 primary and community schools have been damaged by floodwaters. Cox’s Bazar in the south-east of the country – home to more than a million Rohingya refugees – has been hit by excessive rain this month.