BUTWAL: Torrential downpour continuing since last night has caused floods in various rivers and tributaries in Rupendehi district with the floodwater streaming into various rural settlements. Huge swathes of recently cultivated fields have been overwhelmed with rainwater as the rain continues unabated. At least, 16 houses were submerged partially when Rohini River located around the district's southernmost tip broke its course to enter a human settlement Patkhauli VDC–5. In Basantapur, the same river inundated at least six houses. Seven locals were forced to spend the night on the branches of a tree to save their lives. Police arrived at the scene to rescue them with inflatable tubes, the District Police Office's Spokesperson, DSP Rameshwor Karki, said. The flood has swept away domestic cattle and clothes. Police are working to relocate the villagers to safer areas away from the danger of the swollen rivers, according to police. The river has also wrecked havoc in Siktahan VDC as somedomestic cattle belonging to seven households drowned, said Prakash Khanal of the Community Agro Depot Centre. Meanwhile, landslides have obstructed transportation along Butwal–Palpa road section of the Siddhartha Highway. Boulders have rolled down on Jhumsa and Siddhababa area of the road, obstructing vehicular movement, Area Police Office, Butwal said.