Kathmandu: More than 1.8 million people are expected to be affected by this year’s monsoon, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The NDRRMA's projections, released on Monday, anticipate significant impacts due to an expected increase in rainfall.

NDRRMA Spokesperson Dr. Disan Bhattarai reported that the forecast indicates over 1.8 million people across 412,000 households could experience varying degrees of impact during the monsoon season. It is estimated that approximately 83,000 families will be directly affected, with 18,000 households likely needing rescue and relief operations.

Last year, the expectation was that 1.2 million people would be affected, but the actual number exceeded two million. This year, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has predicted 35-55 percent more rainfall than the average, heightening the risk of widespread disruption.

Dr. Bhattarai emphasized that all relevant agencies have been instructed to make necessary preparations in light of the increased risk. Preparations are underway in alignment with the monsoon preparedness and response national action plan developed by the Home Ministry. These efforts aim to mitigate the anticipated challenges and ensure timely assistance to those affected by the monsoon.