DARCHULA: Fear of floods, erosion and inundation has increased among people living in settlements close to the banks of Mahakali River as the river has swollen following three days of incessant rainfall.

The people of these settlements have started recalling the devastating flood in Mahakali River five years back which wreaked havoc in the district and downstream, with rising water level in the river and the rains not abating.

The water level in the river on Monday morning was measured at four metres nine centimetres, which fell to three metres and nine centimetres in the evening, said Raj Kumar Ghimire. But the possibility of water level rising remains high as it has started raining again, he added.

The fear of possible flooding is palpable in Sunsera, Huti, Dattu, Lali, Uku among other settlements which are located near the banks of Mahakali River. People of these settlements stay awake all night long fearing the worst.

"With the rain not abating and water level of the river rising, we stay awake at night for fear of flood," said Nirmala Chand of Malikarjun Rural Municipality-7.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office has mobilised Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel in settlements near the river bank for precautionary measures, and for emergency rescue and relief.

Life has been thrown out of gear in the district due to the incessant rain. The Darchula-Tinker road has been obstructed as the road has been washed away due to erosion at various places. Traffic has been hindered due to landslides at a couple of places on Shree Bagad-Ratakatha road section.