Kathmandu [Nepal], July 18 – Nepal has issued a flash flood warning for 25 districts after days of persistent rainfall while landslides and flooding have blocked several major highways disrupting transport across multiple provinces.
The Flood Forecasting Division said on Saturday that small rivers flowing through Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur face a moderate risk of flash flooding. Similar warnings were issued for rivers in Makwanpur, Chitwan, Palpa, Kaski, Tanahun, Syangja, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, Mustang, Rukum West, Doti, Bajhang, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.
Authorities said water levels in Nepal’s major river systems including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali and Mahakali remain below alert thresholds. Flows in the Kankai, Kamala, Babai, East Rapti and West Rapti rivers are also within safe limits.
The division warned that river levels in parts of Koshi, Gandaki and Sudurpashchim provinces could rise rapidly over the next two days and urged residents living near riverbanks to remain alert.
Meanwhile continuous rainfall has triggered landslides that have cut off several key transport routes. According to Nepal police major roads in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces have been fully blocked at multiple locations.
Authorities have suspended traffic on sections of the Mechi highway, Araniko highway, B.P. highway, Kanti Lokpath, Kaligandaki corridor and other strategic roads because of landslides and flood related damage.
Officials have urged travellers to check the latest road conditions with local police or road authorities before starting their journey.
