Kathmandu – The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has issued a warning of possible sudden flooding in rivers flowing through Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati provinces between Saturday and Monday, urging the public to exercise special caution.
According to the department’s notice issued two days earlier, water levels in major rivers including the Koshi, Kamala, Bagmati, and Narayani, along with their tributaries, are expected to rise significantly and may approach danger levels.
The statement further mentioned: “Small rivers and streams originating from the Mahabharat and Chure ranges in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces may also experience sudden surges in water flow.”
High-Risk Districts
The DHM has identified 17 districts at high risk of sudden flooding:
- Bagmati Province: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, Makwanpur, Chitwan
- Koshi Province: Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang
- Madhesh Province: Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi
People in these areas and nearby districts have been urged to remain on high alert from Saturday to Monday.
Travel Advisory
Given the risk of floods, landslides, soil erosion, and inundation, the department has requested travelers to exercise extreme caution while using both road and air transport, especially as thousands of people are traveling across the country for the Dashain festival.
Cause of the Weather System
Meteorologists reported that a low-pressure system developed over the Bay of Bengal is shifting from Odisha towards central India. This system will push moist monsoon winds into Nepal, activating intense monsoon activity from Saturday to Monday.
Experts have even advised against traveling on major highways during Saturday and Sunday due to heightened risks.
