Saptakoshi river levels rising; residents urged to stay alert
With continuous rainfall across the country, the water level of the Saptakoshi River is expected to rise, prompting the Sunsari administration to alert nearby residents to remain cautious.
On Saturday, a team comprising Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police Keshav Kumar Thebe, the Armed Police chief, representatives from the Nepali Army, and members of the District Disaster Management Committee conducted an on-site inspection from the Saptakoshi Barrage to Chatara Bridge.
After the inspection, SP Thebe stated that while the river’s current flow is normal and there is no immediate risk, continuous monitoring is being maintained. He emphasized that, based on past experiences, sudden floods cannot be ruled out, and residents living close to the river should stay vigilant.
“The flow of the Koshi River is currently normal, but ongoing rainfall could cause the water level to rise,” SP Thebe said. “Residents in areas such as Chatara, Chakraghatti, Prakashpur, Madhuwan, and Bhantabari have been advised to exercise extra caution, especially at night.”
According to Inspector Divas Kunwar of Mahendranagar Police Station, a special team of 25 police personnel has been placed on standby to mitigate potential risks in areas surrounding the Saptakoshi. Local ward offices, Red Cross teams, and community development committees have also been informed to remain alert.
Chief District Officer Mishra urged residents living in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations if necessary, stay vigilant at night, and immediately report any unusual activity or rising water levels to nearby police or local authorities.
The Sunsari District Disaster Management Committee confirmed that it is regularly monitoring the Koshi River and rainfall in coordination with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The administration has also kept security personnel, boats, ambulances, and relief materials ready for emergency response.
DAO Kathmandu warns against ride-sharing fare gouging
The Kathmandu District Administration Office has issued an urgent notice warning ride-sharing services, including InDrive, Pathao, and Yango, against charging passengers excessively during the ongoing monsoon-related disaster.
The office said it has received complaints of passengers being charged significantly higher fares than usual. Authorities have urged all drivers and operators not to exploit passengers and warned that anyone found overcharging will face strict legal action.
Passengers who experience such fare gouging are requested to report the incident to the District Administration Office with proper evidence.
Traffic movement banned along riverbank roads
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.
Torrential rainfall hits Madhes
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.
