Flash flood risk likely in 22 districts as rivers rise

KATHMANDU: Water levels in several major rivers are expected to rise significantly over the next three days, prompting the Flood Forecasting Division to warn of a moderate risk of flash floods in small rivers and streams across 22 districts.

According to the Division, the Koshi and Narayani river basins are expected to see a significant rise in water levels during the period.

The 22 districts facing a moderate risk of flash floods are Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung, Kaski, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Surkhet, Kalikot, Humla, Bajhang and Bajura.

Water levels recorded on Monday morning in the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali and Mahakali rivers and their tributaries, as well as the Kankai, Kamala, Babai and Rapti rivers, were below the warning levels.

However, a significant rise in water levels is expected in the Saptakoshi, Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi, Narayani at Devghat, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti, Kaligandaki and Mahakali rivers over the next three days.

The Karnali, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati and Rapti rivers are also expected to see moderate rises in water levels during the same period.

The division has further warned that small rivers in Sudurpashchim, Lumbini and Madhesh provinces could experience sudden surges in water flow on Tuesday. Similar surges are forecast in small rivers across Koshi and Madhesh provinces on Wednesday.