KATHMANDU — Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a fresh alert, warning of a significant rise in water levels across major river basins nationwide over the next three days.According to the latest bulletin, water levels in major river systems—including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali, and Mahakali rivers, along with their primary tributaries—are projected to rise sharply due to active monsoon conditions and upstream developments.
High Alert at the Koshi Barrage
As water levels continue to fluctuate, authorities have increased vigilance in the eastern region. The water flow in the Saptakoshi River has seen a continuous rise over the past 24 hours. In response to the swelling water levels, authorities recently opened 22 gates of the Koshi Barrage to manage the intense flow, which was recorded exceeding 192,000 cusecs.
While officials state there is no immediate risk of a major overflow in the Saptakoshi area right now, residents living near the riverbanks have been strongly urged to remain on high alert, move to safer locations if necessary, and refrain from activities like fishing or collecting firewood near the river.
Lingering Threat of Upstream Barrier Lakes
This new three-day alert comes at a highly sensitive time for the country. Just days ago on August 26, a catastrophic flash flood—triggered by a massive glacier collapse and debris flow—swept through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, causing immense devastation, loss of life, and wiping out critical infrastructure near the Nepal-China border.
Adding to the concern, downstream communities have been put on high alert following warnings from Chinese authorities about a newly formed barrier lake upstream near the Tibet-Nepal border. The debris from recent landslides has dammed river flows, creating a temporary lake that holds millions of cubic meters of water. Authorities warned that this unstable barrier could burst within a three-day window, sending a fresh surge of water down into Nepal’s river systems.
Precautionary Measures
The Hydrology Department has highlighted a moderate-to-high risk of flash floods in small rivers and rivulets across more than two dozen districts.
Local security agencies, disaster-management authorities, and emergency responders remain heavily mobilized. The government has urged all residents in floodplain areas and vulnerable slope settlements to track real-time weather updates and adhere to safety instructions from local authorities until the danger subsides.
