KATHMANDU: Heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers across Nepal to surge beyond danger levels, leading to widespread floods.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division, rivers in 20 different places have crossed their danger marks, while water levels in 13 additional areas have risen above the alert level.
The Koshi River, Nepal’s largest, is particularly affected, reaching danger levels in 10 locations. Tributaries such as the Arun at Shimle, Bhotekoshi at Bararbishe, Balefi at Jalbire, Melamchi at Nakote, Sunkoshi at Khurkot and Hempachour, Tamor at Macchichar, Mulghat, and Triveni, and Saptakoshi at Chatra have all surpassed critical levels, increasing the risk of flooding.
In the Kathmandu Valley, the Bagmati River has exceeded danger levels at six points. Its tributary, the Manohara, has crossed the danger mark at Balkumari, while the Hanumante River has done the same at Jagati and Kaushaltar.
The Bagmati River itself is overflowing at Gaurighat, Khokna, and Karmaiya.
Outside the Valley, the Narayani River at Devghat and its tributary East Rapti at Rajaiya have crossed the danger level, while Sunsari’s Budhi River is flowing dangerously near Duhavi station.
The Flood Forecasting Division has also indicated that Narayani and its tributaries are at the alert level in four locations, Bagmati in three, and Koshi in two. Authorities are closely monitoring these rivers as rain continues, and communities in affected areas are advised to take precautions as flood risks persist.
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