Rising water levels in several rivers due to rainfall in Nepal are now a concern for officials. The Rapti and Rohini rivers have seen a rapid increase in their water levels, prompting the Irrigation Department to take preventative measures.
On Tuesday, the Municipal Corporation closed the gates of regulators in Basiadih and Ilahibagh to prevent water from flooding populated areas if river levels continue to rise.
According to Irrigation Department officials, the Rapti river's water level at Birdghat rose by one meter from Monday morning to Tuesday afternoon. It is now just 1.17 meters below its danger mark. Similarly, the Rohini river at Trimuhani Ghat saw a two-meter increase, bringing it to only 39 centimeters below the danger mark. Given the rapid rise, officials fear the rivers could reach the danger level within the next 48 hours.
The Saryu river is also a cause for concern. Its water level is rising at the Ayodhya bridge, where it is only 11 centimeters below the danger mark, and it has already surpassed the danger level in Turtipar. In response, the Irrigation Department has instructed intensified patrolling along the rivers to quickly address any potential erosion or other issues.