Kathmandu— Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) issued warnings today regarding the potential for flash floods in small rivers throughout the country, urging communities living near waterways and in low-lying areas to exercise caution. The alert comes as water levels at the Kirin River and Bardiya Hydrometric Station have surpassed alert thresholds and continue to rise, prompting concerns about a moderate risk of flooding particularly during evening hours. The warning encompasses residents across numerous districts, advising vigilance due to potentially significant increases in river water levels.

Affected Areas

The DHM has specifically identified a wide range of districts as being at risk of flash floods. These include Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gorkha, Tanahu, Lamjung, Kaski, Syangja, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West. The warning also extends to Rukum East, Rukum West, Jajarkot, Dolpa, Mugu, Surkhet, Banke, Bardiya, Darchula, Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Kailali, and Kanchanpur, as well as the areas surrounding these districts.

River Level Monitoring

According to the Department, water levels at both the Kirin River and the Bardiya Hydrometric Station have already exceeded alert levels and are continuing to increase. This rise in water levels is a key indicator of the potential for flash floods, prompting the DHM to issue its warning to residents in vulnerable areas.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology continues to monitor river levels and will provide further updates as necessary.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.