Kathmandu, September 25
A low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal continues to bring rain to most districts of Nepal. The persistent rainfall has raised water levels in rivers and streams, while landslides have blocked highways at several locations.
According to meteorologists, the system is gradually shifting from the eastern part of Nepal toward the west, and rainfall is forecast to increase in western areas as a result.
“Rainfall in the eastern region is expected to ease somewhat tomorrow, Saturday,” said meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane. “Rain is likely to intensify in western areas starting tonight.”
Districts in Lumbini and Gandaki have already been experiencing rain since Wednesday. Meteorologists forecast that rainfall will now extend further, reaching as far as Sudurpashchim.
A risk map issued by the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology marks districts from Bagmati Province eastward in yellow, while districts in the higher hill and mountain regions from Gandaki westward are marked in red.
Yellow indicates that people should stay alert and keep track of weather updates, while red indicates a risk of floods and landslides requiring precautionary action.
High flood risk in 38 districts
Due to the continuous rainfall, the Flood Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also forecast rising water levels in small rivers and streams across various districts over the next two days, along with the possibility of flash floods.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported a high flood risk today in Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Mustang, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Dailekh, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
The area at high flood risk will expand further tomorrow, September 25.
According to the division, high flood risk is forecast for Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Gulmi, Syangja, Tanahun, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Parbat, Baglung, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Doti, Dadeldhura, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
The division also said flash flooding could occur in small rivers flowing through all seven provinces starting Sunday.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has additionally urged people in low-lying and flood-prone areas along the Saptakoshi River to remain on high alert through the day after tomorrow, as water levels there continue to rise.
