Kathmandu [Nepal], August 29 – The risk of further flooding along Bhotekoshi river remains high despite its water level falling below the warning threshold the Flood Forecasting Division said on Saturday.
In a weather bulletin the division warned that a lake formed after the river was blocked by Wednesday’s devastating flood in Rasuwa has continued to grow and could burst at any time.
Preliminary analysis of information received from the Chinese government and satellite imagery shows the size of the lake is increasing, the division said. If the lake breaches a large volume of water, rocks, mud and debris could rush downstream triggering a sudden and potentially severe flood in lower-lying areas.
Authorities have urged residents, travellers and rescue personnel in settlements along the lower Bhotekoshi to stay away from riverbanks and other vulnerable areas until further notice.
Although the flows of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers are currently below warning levels the division has advised people downstream to remain highly alert because of the continuing risk.
As of Saturday morning water levels in the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali and Mahakali rivers and their tributaries as well as the Kankai, Kamala, Babai, East Rapti and West Rapti rivers were also below warning levels.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
