Heavy rain triggers flash-flood warnings across western Nepal

Heavy rainfall in parts of Nepal on Wednesday prompted authorities to warn of rising water levels and a moderate risk of sudden flash floods in small rivers across several western districts.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology's Flood Early Warning System recorded 84.4 mm of rain in three hours at the Simalpani water measurement centre in Arghakhanchi district and warned that water levels in small rivers in the area and surrounding regions could rise.

Moderate to heavy rainfall was also recorded over three hours at several locations in Banke and Bardiya districts, with authorities warning of rising water levels and possible sudden flows in small rivers.

In a separate alert, the department said small rivers in Darchula, Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur, as well as surrounding areas, faced a moderate risk of sudden flash floods.

Several other parts of the country also received heavy rain. Nepal's national broadcaster Radio Nepal, citing meteorologists, reported heavy rainfall in Chitwan, Palpa and Kailali, while thunderstorms and lightning were recorded in Nawalpur, Tanahun, Gorkha, Arghakhanchi and Rupandehi.

Heavy rain was also likely in parts of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces and some hilly areas of Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali, the meteorological department said.

The weather is expected to remain unsettled over the next few days, with thunderstorms, lightning and intermittent rain likely until Friday. Conditions are expected to improve gradually from Saturday.

The latest spell of rain comes as Nepal continues to deal with the impact of floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in recent weeks.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, rainfall between September 24 and 27 caused 542 disaster incidents across the country, including 304 landslides, 87 floods and 151 incidents directly linked to heavy rain.

The disasters killed 27 people, left four missing and injured eight, while affecting 1,082 families. They completely destroyed 227 houses, partially damaged 142 and damaged 31 bridges.

More than 980,000 people received flood-warning messages and nearly 2,000 people were evacuated to safer locations during the period, according to the authority.

The latest warnings also come about a month after devastating flash floods swept through parts of central and northern Nepal, killing more than 1,500 people and leaving around 5,000 missing.