Heavy Rainfall in Mustang and Manang Districts

The two trans-Himalayan districts of Mustang and Manang in Gandaki Province experienced unusually heavy rainfall on Tuesday.

According to the Information Officer of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Dinkar Kayastha, the downpour in the two districts was triggered by westerly winds and a low-pressure system that developed over the Arabian Sea.

In particular, Chame of Manang recorded 64.4 millimetres of rain, followed by 51.2 mm at Jomsom in Mustang. Rainfall in the 50–100 mm range is classified as heavy.

Meanwhile, the highlands of Mustang witnessed this season’s first snowfall on Monday, affecting travel and pilgrimage routes in the region.

According to the District Administration Office, snowfall began early in the morning in Korala checkpoint and Lomanthang areas of Upper Mustang as well as Muktinath, a famed pilgrimage site in the district.

Chief District Officer of Mustang Bishnu Prasad Bhusal told the state-run news agency RSS that rainfall accompanied by snow occurred in Lomanthang-2 Chhosar, Korla border point, and Muktinath, as well as in highlands of both Upper and Lower Mustang.

Although Mustang and Manang traditionally lie in rain-shadow zones of the Himalayas — receiving very low rainfall — recent years have seen a notable shift in precipitation and risk of flash-flood events.

Elsewhere, moderate rainfall was reported: Dunai (Dolpa) 36 mm, Jumla 13 mm, Baglung 24 mm, Parbat unreported, Pyuthan 21.8 mm, Sindhupalchowk 29.6 mm, Chitwan 23 mm and Lamjung 27 mm.

While the mountain districts reported heavy snowfall since Tuesday, the lower regions recorded rain. The Kathmandu Valley also received light rain amid a drop in temperatures.

The forecast by the Department warns of further heavy snowfall and rain in high-hill and mountain regions of Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority Shanti Mahat urged residents and tourists alike to take precautions.