KATHMANDU: The Flood Forecasting Division under the Hydrology and Water Resources Research Center has warned of a potential flood risk in the Bhotekoshi area of Rasuwa.
Although water levels in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers are currently normal, the Division has urged people to avoid travelling along riverbanks and remain alert to early warnings due to the risk of a temporary lake formed upstream by a landslide or debris blockage suddenly bursting.
Flood expert Binod Parajuli of the Division said that, based on information received from the Chinese government and a preliminary analysis of satellite images, the temporary lake in the area where the flood occurred on August 26 is growing in size, raising concerns that it could burst.
“The lake formed by the blockage is expanding, and there is a risk of it bursting. If it bursts, stones, soil and other debris could be carried downstream with the water, causing sudden flooding in lower-lying areas,” he said.
“Although the flows of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers are currently below the alert level following the flood in Bhotekoshi, people in downstream areas have been urged to remain on high alert. We will issue an early warning if the risk of flooding increases,” Parajuli said.
In view of the potential risk, the Division has urged residents, travellers and rescue workers in downstream areas of the Bhotekoshi to stay away from riverbanks and other vulnerable areas until further notice.
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