KATHMANDU: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Flood Forecasting Division has issued a nationwide alert, warning of a significant rise in water levels in most major rivers over the next three days due to continuous rainfall.
According to a bulletin issued on Tuesday morning, small rivers flowing through districts such as Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Bhojpur, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and surrounding areas are likely to swell significantly.
There is a moderate risk of flash floods in these areas, especially if rainfall intensifies.
Similarly, rivers in Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Sindhuli, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and West, Lamjung, Tanahun, Kaski, Syangja, Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Arghakhanchi, Dang, Salyan, Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Achham, Bajhang, Bajura, Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Darchula are also expected to see a significant rise in water levels.
The department noted a continued moderate likelihood of sudden flooding in these regions as well.
Despite the warnings, as of 8 AM Tuesday, the water levels in major rivers including the Koshi, Narayani, Karnali, Mahakali, Kamala, Bagmati, Eastern and Western Rapti, Babai, and Kankai were reported to be below the warning threshold.
However, the division forecasted that the flow in Kamala and Bagmati rivers would increase gradually on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a notable surge expected on Thursday.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert, avoid riverbanks, and follow updates from local authorities and the Department.
Authorities are also monitoring the situation closely and have urged all municipalities and disaster management bodies to be on standby.
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