Nepal sees heavy rain in parts, flash flood risk rises in West

Heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Nepal on Wednesday, prompting authorities to warn of rising water levels and possible flash floods in small rivers in several western districts.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Flood Early Warning System said 84.4 mm of rain was recorded 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. The department also said moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded over three hours at several locations in Banke and Bardiya districts, warning of rising water levels in small rivers and the possibility of sudden flows. In a separate alert, the department said small rivers in Darchula, Baitadi, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur, and surrounding areas, faced a moderate risk of sudden flash floods.

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