Key Takeaways:
- Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers below alert levels, but high flash-flood risk persists
- Flows forecast to rise in Koshi, Narayani, Karnali and Mahakali basins over three days
- Bagmati Province roads blocked/restricted: Trishuli-Mailung-Syafrubesi, Pasang Lhamu, Prithvi, BP Highway
- Authorities urge caution in flood- and landslide-prone districts nationwide
The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers may currently be flowing below alert levels, but Rasuwa and Nuwakot remain at high risk of flash floods, according to the latest government forecast issued after last month's devastating Bhotekoshi flooding.
The Flood Forecasting Division said the flow of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and smaller rivers in the two districts is expected to rise significantly, with a high possibility of flash floods.
The warning comes as river levels across the country are also forecast to increase over the next three days. Significant rises are expected in major rivers including the Saptakoshi, Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi in the Koshi basin, and the Narayani, Trishuli, Budhigandaki, Marsyangdi, Seti and Kaligandaki in the Narayani basin.
Similar increases are forecast in the Karnali, Bheri, West Seti, Mahakali, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, East Rapti, West Rapti and Babai rivers today, Friday and Saturday.
The division said the flow of smaller rivers is also expected to rise significantly in dozens of districts across the country, with a moderate risk of flash floods.
These include districts in eastern and central Nepal such as Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Dhading, Chitwan and Gorkha, as well as districts across western and far-western Nepal.
Roads remain vulnerable
The flood and landslide risk is also affecting road connectivity, particularly in Bagmati Province.
As of 6:35am Thursday, the Kathmandu-Dhading section was operating one-way at Chisapani in Chandragiri Municipality-2 after a landslide.
In Rasuwa, the Trishuli-Mailung-Syafrubesi road and other major highways remain completely blocked due to flooding until further notice.
In Nuwakot, night-time vehicle movement has been restricted at Ghattikhola along the Tokha-Chhahare road, while the Pasang Lhamu Highway is completely blocked at Simtar in Belkotgadhi Municipality-10 because of flooding.
The Prithvi Highway has also been affected by landslides at several locations in Dhading. The road is completely blocked at Krishna Bhir in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7, while only small vehicles are operating along one lane at Parewa Bhir in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2. Sections at Benighat Rorang-10 and Kamere Bhir in Thakre Rural Municipality-2 have resumed one-way traffic.
In Kavre, vehicle movement along the Khurkot-Nepalthok-Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway has been regulated according to a fixed schedule because of the risk of flooding.
The latest bulletin said the monsoon system continues to influence the country, and authorities have urged caution in areas exposed to rising river levels, flash floods and landslides.