Nawalparasi — Continuous rainfall over the past four days has disrupted normal life in Nawalparasi, with the Narayani River rising above the danger level, flooding settlements, disrupting transportation and damaging crops.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds has flattened mature paddy crops in several areas, while landslides have blocked a number of roads in the district’s hilly areas.
Authorities temporarily halted vehicle movement over a bridge after the Narayani River rose to a dangerous level. According to the District Police Office, Nawalparasi East, traffic was stopped at 1:15 p.m., while small and light vehicles were allowed to resume crossing from 1:45 p.m., subject to the condition of the bridge.
The Daunne section of the East-West Mahendra Highway has also been operating on a one-way basis due to rainfall-related disruptions. Meanwhile, the District Traffic Police Office said efforts were underway to clear a landslide at Ghumari along the Kali Gandaki Corridor.
In the northern hilly region, flooding washed away the access road to a concrete bridge over the Kali Gandaki River at Dedgaun on Saturday afternoon. The damage has disrupted transportation between Dedgaun and Pokhara via Shringpath in Tanahun.
Several Settlements Inundated
Rising water levels in the Narayani have caused flooding in Bote Tole of Gaindakot-2, Amaltari of Kawasoti-17, Bhutaha of Madhyabindu-2 and Baghuvan of Binayi Tribeni-1.
Police said 114 people from 18 households in Gaindakot-2 were relocated to relatives’ homes after floodwaters entered the settlement. Their belongings were also moved to safer locations.
In Bhutaha, floodwaters entered the village and prompted authorities to relocate 61 people from 17 households to Little Flower School and the homes of relatives.
Floodwaters also entered the Royal Galaxy Hotel in Amaltari and Nana Jungle Resort. Teams from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Nepali Army were deployed to evacuate people and move livestock to safer locations.
Authorities have intensified public warnings as rainfall continues in the upper watershed areas of the Narayani River, including Myagdi, Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha and Dhading. Officials have warned that further rainfall could cause the river level to rise even higher.
Gandak Barrage on Alert
The water level at the Gandak Barrage in Triveni, near the Nepal-India border, is also rising. All gates and siphons have been opened due to the increased flow, while warning sirens have been activated after the water level crossed the danger threshold.
The Gandak Barrage, built around 65 years ago with a capacity to handle approximately 850,000 cusecs, is showing signs of aging, while increasing sediment accumulation has raised concerns about its ability to withstand exceptionally high floods.
The latest measurements showed the Narayani River reaching 11.81 meters at Devghat at 1 p.m. on Sunday, while the flow at the Gandak Barrage was recorded at 440,750 cusecs.
With rainfall continuing across the river’s mountainous and hilly catchment areas, authorities have urged communities living along the riverbanks and in other vulnerable locations to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.
Flooding Reported in Susta
In Nawalparasi West, floodwaters from the Narayani River entered Tharutole in Susta Rural Municipality-5, inundating the settlement and forcing residents to move to safer locations.
A joint security team, including the Armed Police Force stationed in Susta, has been assisting in the evacuation of residents, livestock and property.
