Water Levels in Major Rivers Expected to Rise Over Next Five Days

Kathmandu, Sept 24: Water levels in major rivers across Nepal are expected to rise from today over the next five days, according to the Flood Forecasting Division under the Hydrology and Water Resources Research Center of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat.

Flood expert Sauharda Joshi has urged people living along riverbanks and in other flood-prone areas to remain highly alert, citing the possibility of significant rises in river levels and flash floods in some areas.

According to a special flood forecast bulletin issued by the Division, water levels are likely to increase in the Koshi, Narayani, Karnali, Mahakali, Kankai, Kamala, Babai, East Rapti and West Rapti river systems.

The bulletin forecasts a significant rise in the next five days in major rivers of the Koshi system, including the Saptakoshi, Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi.

Similarly, rising water levels are expected in the Narayani, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti and Kaligandaki rivers in the Gandaki basin. The Karnali, Bheri, Tila, West Seti, Mahakali, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, East Rapti, Tinau, Banganga, West Rapti and Babai rivers are also likely to see increased water levels.

The Division has warned of a possibility of flash floods in some rivers and watersheds.

It said small rivers and streams from Taplejung to Kanchanpur are likely to experience a significant increase in water flow today, with sudden flooding possible in some locations.

The forecast covers a large number of districts across the country, including Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Khotang, Udayapur, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Sindhuli, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu Valley, Makawanpur, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha.

Likewise, increased water flow has been forecast in small rivers and streams in Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and West, Rupandehi, Tanahun, Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Rukum East and West, Rolpa, Salyan, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Jumla, Kalikot, Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula and Kanchanpur.

The Flood Forecasting Division has advised residents in riverbank settlements and other vulnerable areas to stay alert and take necessary precautions in view of the forecast.