Kathmandu: Nepal has witnessed a significant reduction in loss of life and property during this year’s monsoon season (2082 BS) compared to last year, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Officials attributed the improvement to the government’s integrated monsoon preparedness and response strategy, implemented under the National Action Plan for Monsoon Preparedness and Response, 2082.

According to NDRRMA data, 1,454 disaster incidents were recorded this year, down from 2,139 incidents last year. The number of deaths dropped sharply to 140, compared to 495 fatalities in 2081. Similarly, the number of affected households fell to 5,995 from 10,823, while missing persons declined from 66 to 30.

This year’s monsoon lasted 135 days, longer than average—entering Nepal on 15 Jestha and exiting on 24 Asoj. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported that Nepal received 97.23 percent of the average rainfall (1,375.4 mm) during the period.

Among the disaster events, 513 landslides caused 67 deaths and 77 injuries, while 292 flood incidents killed 37 people and left 26 missing. Lightning strikes claimed 29 lives and injured 189.

Between Asoj 17 and 20, at the tail end of the monsoon, 53 people lost their lives, with Ilam being the worst-hit district where 39 people died. The government subsequently declared Ilam a disaster-prone area for three months.

In Rasuwa, the Bhotekoshi flood of Asad 24 swept away the Miteri Bridge, destroyed parts of a dry port, three hydropower projects, and left 18 people missing, causing billions of rupees in damages.

Earlier in the season, Madhesh Province was hit by drought, prompting the government to declare it a drought-affected area for three months starting August 28.

The NDRRMA noted that this year’s lower impact reflects better coordination among government agencies, improved early warning systems, and proactive disaster response measures across the country.