Kathmandu [Nepal], Sept 14 – Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Monday warned of a heightened risk of flash floods across 21 districts, with sharp rises in water levels expected in several major rivers and their tributaries over the next three days.
The Flood Forecasting Division in a bulletin issued at 8:00 AM on September 14 said water levels in the country’s major rivers including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali and Mahakali are currently below warning levels. However, significant increases are forecast in several river systems from September 14 to 16.
The Koshi basin is expected to see sharp rises in the Sunkoshi, Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi and Tamakoshi rivers. In the Narayani basin, significant increases are forecast in the Narayani, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti and Kaligandaki rivers.
The Mahakali River at Parigaun is also expected to rise sharply.
Moderate but steady rises are forecast in rivers across the Karnali, Bheri, West Seti, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, East Rapti, West Rapti and Babai basins.
The immediate concern, however, is the possibility of sudden flooding in smaller rivers and streams.
For September 14, the department has identified a moderate risk of flash floods in small rivers across 21 districts which includes Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Gorkha, Tanahun, Lamjung, Kaski, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Surkhet, Kalikot, Humla, Bajhang and Bajura.
The areas facing the highest risk are expected to change over the next two days. On September 15, the threat is expected to shift mainly to Sudurpashchim, Lumbini and Madhesh provinces. On September 16, the risk is forecast to concentrate in Koshi and Madhesh provinces.
The department has urged people living along riverbanks, in low-lying areas and near vulnerable streams to remain highly alert and follow official flood warnings.
Authorities have particularly cautioned against underestimating smaller rivers and streams, where sudden increases in water flow can cause flash flooding even when water levels in major rivers remain below warning thresholds.
