KATHMANDU, Sept 24: Water levels in major rivers across Nepal are expected to rise over the next five days, with authorities warning of possible flash floods in some rivers and watersheds.
The Flood Forecasting Division under the Hydrology and Water Resources Research Center has issued a special flood forecast, urging people in flood-prone and riverside areas to remain highly alert.
Flood expert Sauharda Joshi said water levels could rise significantly in the Koshi, Narayani, Karnali and Mahakali river systems and their tributaries.
FLOOD ALERT: Rain in the forecast, floods and landslides affect...
The Division has also forecast rising water levels in the Kankai, Kamala, Babai, East Rapti and West Rapti rivers.
According to the forecast, the Sapta Koshi, Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers in the Koshi system could see significant rises over the next five days. Water levels are also expected to increase in the Narayani, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti and Kaligandaki rivers in the Gandaki system.
Similarly, rising water levels have been forecast in the Karnali, Bheri, Tila, West Seti, Mahakali, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, East Rapti, Tinau, Banganga, West Rapti and Babai rivers.
The Division warned of possible flash floods in some rivers and watersheds. It said small rivers and streams from Taplejung to Kanchanpur could experience significant rises in water levels today, with sudden flooding possible in some areas.
The forecast covers small rivers and streams in a large number of districts across the country, including Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Khotang, Udayapur, Sindhuli, Kathmandu Valley, Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, Kaski, Tanahu, Rupandehi, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Jajarkot, Jumla, Doti, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula and Kanchanpur.
Joshi urged residents living along riverbanks and in other high-risk areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
