PARBAT: Continuous rainfall has pushed the Kaligandaki river to its highest level of the year, raising flood concerns in several settlements along its banks.
According to gauge reader Krishna Prasad Subedi, the river reached a height of 6.4 meters above the riverbed this morning — the highest measurement so far this year.
Heavy rainfall in the upstream districts of Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, and Parbat contributed to the surge. Subedi noted the flow may begin to recede as rainfall has stopped.
The rising river has placed several settlements at risk, including Bagarphant, Baribeni, Milanchowk, Lasti, and Khaniyanghat of Jaljala Rural Municipality; Maldhunga, Nayapul, and Modibeni of Kushma Municipality; Jaiminighat of Phalebas Municipality; and Setibeni Bazaar in Bihadi Rural Municipality.
The world’s largest Shaligram Shila, located at the tri-junction of Parbat, Syangja, and Gulmi districts, has been submerged by the floodwaters. Local priest Tilak Parajuli said all surrounding structures, including the Sattal (rest house), have also been inundated, and protective embankments and gabion walls have been damaged.
Setibeni Bazaar is at high risk of flooding, especially with all gates of the Kaligandaki ‘A’ Hydropower Project dam now open. Increased water flow in both the Kaligandaki and Setikhola rivers poses a threat to around 200 traders and residents in the area.
Local businessman Bishnu Neupane recalled the devastating floods of 2066 BS, which displaced over three dozen families. While the Shaligram Shila has been submerged again, he confirmed that floodwaters have not yet reached the market area.
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