Nepal: Seasonal vulnerability and risk calendar in Nepal

Question

What is the information and evidence on the seasonal vulnerability and risk calendar in Nepal at a national and sub-national level?

Summary

Nepal faces many seasonal disasters, including floods, landslides, fires, droughts and diseases. Findings of this rapid review indicates that:

• Most people are killed and injured during July–September which is in the monsoon period.
• Preparedness activities could take place in anticipation of seasonal disasters.
• The monsoon season (June-September) often experiences landslides, flooding, thunderstorms, disease (cholera, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, encephalitis, meningitis, typhoid, jaundice, malaria, Japanese encephalitis) and drought (when the monsoon rains fail).
• The dry season (March-June) often experiences household and wildfires, drought, heatwaves, and windstorms.
• The winter season (November-February) often experiences avalanches, avian influenza, and crop damage.
• Nepal is very vulnerable to climate change which is expected to lead to more extreme weather and changing seasons.
• Summer cropping season (June-September) involves rice, maize and millet, while the winter cropping season (October-May) involves wheat, barley and potatoes.
• Seasonal food shortages are quite common in many parts of Nepal. July-August and January-March are traditionally agricultural lean seasons, leading to increased risks of food insecurity.
• Water-borne diseases are common between June-August. Water sources may be seasonal.
• Seasonal migration is related to the agricultural cycle, with young men leaving to find work, leaving those behind more vulnerable to disasters.

Other seasonal events which may increase vulnerability include:

• The main festival season, which is in October/November. Festivals can see mass gatherings of people.
• Autumn and spring, which are the main tourist trekking and hiking seasons in Nepal.