Kathmandu [Nepal], July 19 – Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of a heightened risk of flash floods in rivers and streams across 35 districts urging residents living near waterways to remain alert as heavy rainfall is forecast in several parts of the country.
The department said small rivers flowing through Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Ilam, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Dhading, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Kaski, Tanahun, Syangja, Parbat, Baglung, Gulmi, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Nawalparasi East and West, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Doti, Dadeldhura, Kailali and Kanchanpur could experience sudden flooding.
According to the department water levels in Nepal’s major river systems including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali and Mahakali rivers and their tributaries as well as the Kankai, Kamala, Babai, East Rapti and West Rapti rivers remain below the official warning threshold. However, authorities cautioned that intense rainfall could rapidly raise water levels in smaller rivers and streams.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. Similar conditions are expected in selected hilly and Tarai areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces. Isolated areas in the Tarai of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces as well as parts of Madhesh province may also receive heavy rain.
The department has advised people living in flood-prone areas as well as travellers and local authorities to closely monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions as monsoon activity continues across Nepal.
