Flood Alert Issued in 45 Districts, Moderate Risk in 18 Area

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Flood Forecasting Division has issued a flood alert for Wednesday, warning of rising water levels in several rivers across the country over the next three days.

According to the department’s morning bulletin, rivers including the Koshi, Karnali, Mahakali, and their major tributaries are expected to witness fluctuations in water levels but remain below the warning level. However, the Narayani River and its tributaries may approach the alert level, prompting calls for general caution in riverside areas.

Smaller rivers such as the Eastern and Western Rapti, Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, and Babai are also expected to experience normal increases in flow. The department has urged residents near riverbanks to remain alert.

A total of 45 districts, including Kathmandu, have been identified as being at some level of flood risk. Among them, 18 districts have been issued a yellow warning, indicating moderate flood risk. These include Sankhuwasabha, Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Sindhuli, Khotang, Kavrepalanchok, Makwanpur, Tanahun, Lamjung, Syangja, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, East and West Nawalpur, and Chitwan.

Hydrologist Engineer Vijay Dhukuchu explained that the yellow colour code indicates that the water level is near the alert threshold, signalling a moderate risk of flooding. The colour codes are used to indicate severity:

•  Green – Low risk, water levels below alert level

•  Yellow – Moderate risk, water near alert level

•  Orange – High risk, water above alert level

•  Red – Very high risk, water above danger level

The department has advised people in the affected areas to stay updated with official warnings, limit activities near rivers, and be prepared for possible flooding.