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Photos: Nepal Photo Library 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a directive to immediately halt traffic movement along riverbank roads in the Kathmandu Valley.

According to the authority, continuous heavy rainfall across the country, including in the Valley, has significantly increased the risk of flooding. In view of the rising water levels in major rivers, vehicular movement along riverbank roads (corridor roads) has been prohibited from 6 pm today until 6 am tomorrow.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, the authority said.

Madhes Province is witnessing heavy downpours, with record-breaking rainfall reported in several districts, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

In the past 24 hours, Maheshpur in Rautahat recorded 270.4 mm of rainfall, Gaur 243.6 mm, and Garuda 191.8 mm. Similarly, Kalaiya in Bara saw 210.6 mm of rain. In Parsa district, Birgunj received 221.4 mm, while Mudali station recorded 231.8 mm of rainfall.

The department has projected even heavier rainfall on Saturday night. The Flood Forecasting Division has warned of inundation risks across Madhes Province.

Water levels in the Bagmati River and its tributaries have surged, raising the risk of flooding in several parts of the Kathmandu Valley.

At the Khokana monitoring station in Lalitpur, the Bagmati River has crossed the alert level of 3.5 meters, reaching 3.58 meters. Similarly, the Manohara River at the Balkumari station has exceeded its alert level of 4.4 meters. The Nakhu River is also experiencing a steady rise in water levels.

Meteorologists warn that continuous rainfall is likely over the next 24 hours, potentially causing flood risks similar to last year.

Areas around Hanumante, Bishnumati, and Nakhu rivers—including the Medicity surroundings, Kalimati vegetable market, Balkhu vegetable market, and nearby settlements—are at high risk of inundation.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and take precautionary measures to stay safe from possible flooding.

The government has instructed local administrations to arrange food supplies for passengers stranded on highways due to continuous rainfall and landslides.

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), directives have been issued through the respective District Administration Offices to ensure food arrangements for those in need.

The ongoing heavy rainfall has disrupted daily life across the country, with several highways blocked and transportation severely affected.

Continuous rainfall has inundated several settlements in Kathmandu.

Squatter settlements along the banks of the Bagmati River have been submerged. In response, the army has been deployed to evacuate the affected neighborhoods. Security personnel are checking each house and assisting residents in moving their belongings to safety.

Text & Photos: Nepal Photo Library

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The government has announced public holidays tomorrow and the day after.

Considering the heavy rainfall and associated risks, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that all offices across Nepal, except those related to disaster management and essential services, will remain closed on Oct 5 and 6.

Continuous rainfall since last night has caused rising water levels in the Bagmati and Lalbakaiya rivers, increasing the risk of flooding in temporary settlements and riverside communities.

Under the command of Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, No 11 Battalion, Rautahat, base camps and border outposts in Santpur, Dudhyabhar, Bijaypur, Samanpur, and surrounding areas have been conducting public announcements via loudspeakers, urging residents in high-risk areas to move to safer locations.

Following the District Disaster Management Office’s instructions, 101 out of 128 households living along the Bagmati River in Bhotiyaghat, Ward No 1 of Brindaban Municipality, were immediately relocated to safer areas, according to SP Ram Hari Adhikari, head of APF Rautahat.

To prevent flood-related damage, the District Administration Office, APF, Nepal Police, Nepali Army, local authorities, and community members have coordinated to keep rescue equipment—including boats, ropes, and life jackets—ready for deployment.

High-risk areas have been identified along the Bagmati and Lalbakaiya rivers in Brindaban Municipality, including Bhotiyaghat, Kathariya, Maulapur, Rajpur, Gujara, Ishnath, Dewahi Gonahi, and Garuda. Security and relief teams have been deployed to ensure preparedness and facilitate rescue operations.