Kathmandu, 20 Nov: With winter beginning, heavy snowfall in the Himalayas and cold waves in the Tarai have raised serious concerns for communities. In Solukhumbu, near the base of Mt. Everest, early snowfall starting as early as mid-October has left residents worried about how they will survive the harsh months ahead. Chief District Officer Leela Kumari Pandey said the area faces the threat of snowstorms and recurring landslides in Thingle, and experts from Kathmandu have yet to arrive for assessment. Communication towers damaged by snow have also limited connectivity, putting both locals and visitors at risk.
Winter air services—often the only reliable mode of travel—are regularly disrupted, and roads remain poorly managed. While snow benefits crops, it can also become disastrous without proper early-warning systems. Limited rescue personnel in the high mountains add to the yearly challenges.
Similar Hardships in Manang
Manang faces comparable difficulties. After winter sets in, tourist numbers drop sharply, and the season becomes life-threatening for many locals. The district has a tragic history—15 people died during the Hudhud cyclone in 2014, and two tourists were killed in sudden snowfall this past October. Nearly 2,500 tourists were stranded.
Chief District Officer Nawaraj Paudel said climate change has worsened conditions, with rainfall near Himalayan foothills now causing floods as well. With cold waves expected to intensify, many residents have already begun moving to Pokhara or lower regions. Electricity disruptions and inadequate warm housing remain major issues.
Tarai Also Under Threat
The Tarai region is not spared. Districts already battered by floods during September and October now face the risk of severe fog and cold waves. In Mahottari, damaged embankments still leak water into settlements, and many families continue to live in temporary shelters. CDO Indradev Yadav said the region’s 725,000 residents fear the combined impact of ground moisture and incoming cold. Rautahat, too, has thousands of families living in water-logged homes, struggling with a lack of firewood, warm bedding, and clothing.
Government Response and Preparedness
During a briefing to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, CDOs from the mountains and Tarai reported rising risks. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) presented its 2025 winter preparedness and response plan, incorporating suggestions from affected districts. Officials highlighted the need for timely communication through radio, TV, SMS, social media, and local mechanisms.
Home Minister Aryal stressed that cold waves and snowfall are predictable events, making it essential to strengthen early-warning systems. He emphasized coordinated action among all agencies, adequate budgeting, institutional capacity building, and shared responsibility to protect lives and property.
