As water levels rose, the Narayani River overflowed into the settlement of Susta on Saturday, flooding more than 70 houses, local officials reported. Deepkaraj Nepal, Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), stated that residents affected by the flooding have been relocated to safe areas. “There are approximately one thousand residents. Some have gone to relatives, while we have moved more than 400 to safe locations,” he said. CDO Nepal also mentioned that he is preparing to visit the affected areas.
Armed police wearing life jackets have been assisting local residents to move to safer places, with photos of their efforts released to the public. Heavy rainfall has occurred, and according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, rain was recorded at more than a dozen sites in the past 24 hours. “At least 20 measurement centers recorded rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters. Rainfall above 100 millimeters is classified as very heavy,” meteorologist Sanjiv Adhikari explained.
Over the last 24 hours, heavy rain has been reported in regions including Myagdi, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Gorkha, Syangja, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Banke, Bardiya, Dailekh, Kalikot, Surkhet, Humla, Achham, Doti, and Dadeldhura, according to the Meteorological Department. Additionally, snowfall was recorded in some mountainous areas on Saturday. “Moderate to heavy snowfall has occurred in the high-altitude regions,” Adhikari added.
Floods and landslides have blocked several highways nationwide, causing complete disruption of vehicular traffic, police stated. What is the current weather situation? According to the Meteorological Department, the entire country is under the partial influence of both monsoonal and westerly winds. Meteorologist Adhikari noted that a low-pressure system currently exists around Uttar Pradesh, India, impacting Nepal. This system is expected to weaken over the next 12 hours, eventually turning into a trough.
“Saturday poses the highest risk from Gandaki Province westward. On Sunday, rainfall will be confined to provinces from Gandaki westward, with significant improvement expected in Bagmati Province,” Adhikari said. The gradual improvement starting Sunday afternoon is forecasted to continue through Monday. Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels in major rivers and their tributaries across the country have risen above alert thresholds, the Flood Forecasting Division reported.
