Breaking the Cycle of Monsoon Losses

The monsoon season is fast approaching in Nepal, bringing with it the annual threat of floods and landslides. As in previous years, it is not only rural dirt roads that are likely to be affected; major highways are also expected to face serious disruptions. The Department of Roads has already identified more than four dozen locations along key highways as highly vulnerable during the rainy season. Road blockages, particularly on the Narayangadh–Muglin Highway—the country's vital transport artery—have repeatedly made daily life difficult for citizens. Travel disruptions and safety risks have become an almost routine feature of the monsoon. For poor and low-income families, the monsoon is more than a seasonal challenge; it is a recurring source of fear and uncertainty. Already struggling with economic hardship, these communities are often the worst affected by floods and landslides. The marginalised and economically disadvantaged bear the greatest burden of natural disasters and account for a disproportionate share of casualties. This year, warning signs have emerged even before the monsoon has officially begun. Recent rainfall in the eastern hills has damaged roads, washed away bridges and culverts, and disrupted normal life.