Kathmandu: Nepal remained on high alert on Friday as heavy and persistent rainfall caused the Bagmati River to overflow its banks, raising concerns in low-lying areas along the river. Fresh visuals showed water levels rising rapidly as the rain continued. The prolonged rainfall has also increased the risk of flooding and landslides in several parts of the country, disrupting road connectivity and long-distance travel.
Bagmati River Overflows
Rising water levels in the Bagmati and other rivers and streams have put settlements near riverbanks at risk. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of several provinces.
Authorities have urged residents living near rivers and in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant. Continued rainfall could further increase river levels and trigger landslides, particularly in areas where the soil has already been weakened by the monsoon.
Major Highways Hit by Landslides
Several key highways linking Kathmandu with other parts of Nepal have been affected by flooding and landslides.
The Prithvi Highway has reported landslides at seven locations in Dhading. Sections at Krishnabhir and Tigraang Khola have been completely blocked, while traffic has been restricted to one lane at five other locations. Efforts to clear the debris have been hampered by continued rainfall and fresh landslides.
The BP Highway has also been disrupted after the swollen Roshi River washed away temporary road diversions at Chaukidanda and Ghumaune. Landslides have further blocked sections at Charsayabensi and Gimdi in Kavrepalanchok.
Authorities have imposed overnight restrictions on the Kavrepalanchok section of the BP Highway, barring vehicles from 5 pm to 5 am until Sunday morning. Daytime traffic may also be suspended depending on flood and landslide conditions.
The Kanti Lokpath, an important route connecting Kathmandu with Makwanpur and Hetauda, has also been affected. Landslides at three locations on the Lalitpur side have blocked the road.
Travel Advisory Issued
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has advised people to avoid long-distance road travel between September 25 and 27, citing the heightened risk of floods and landslides.
Trekkers in the Himalayan region have also been advised to suspend their plans. Those already on trekking routes have been urged to move towards safer, lower elevations.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces. One or two locations in Lumbini and Gandaki could receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Twelve districts have been identified as being at high risk of flooding, with rapidly rising river levels and flash floods possible in smaller rivers and streams.
With heavy rain continuing and several major highways already disrupted, authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and check road conditions before undertaking any journey.
