Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has initiated early preparations for monsoon-related disaster management, with a proactive approach taken this year to mitigate risks. A meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) held at Singha Durbar on Sunday confirmed that advance planning is already underway.

According to Chief Executive Engineer Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, preparations have begun earlier than usual due to the high risks faced in previous years during the monsoon. Unlike past years where action was taken following Nepal’s own weather forecast, this year the preparations are based on India’s forecast, particularly the conclusions of the South Asian Monsoon Watch meeting in Pune.

Bhatta emphasized that this proactive approach is necessary due to the possibility of an intensified monsoon this year. “The core concern now is whether this year’s monsoon will arrive early and be more intense than usual. We have already started discussing the strategy and mobilization needed at all levels of government,” he said.

He added that discussions focused on communicating plans to provincial and local governments, as well as various federal bodies, and how to coordinate emergency response more efficiently. Preparations include assigning responsibilities to security forces, related agencies, district disaster committees, and initiating the process of developing action templates and establishing coordination mechanisms among stakeholders.

While Nepal's official monsoon forecast is expected in about a week, authorities have moved ahead with early steps to ensure readiness in case of severe weather events, hoping to avoid the delays and disorganization experienced in the past.