Continuous rainfall since Sunday night, combined with outdated drainage infrastructure, has inundated large parts of Dhangadhi and nearby settlements in Kailali district of far-western Nepal.
In Kanchanpur, floodwaters entered Pavitra Basti in Krishnapur Municipality–5, prompting police to rescue the family of Aarti BK. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sagar Bohora of the Kanchanpur District Police Office, the four-member family was relocated to the nearby Pavitra Basic School.
In the 24 hours leading up to noon on Monday, Belauri in Kanchanpur recorded 267 mm of rainfall, while areas around Dhangadhi Airport in Kailali received 202.2 mm, according to Nepal Weather Forecast . Describing the situation as “extremely heavy rainfall,” the agency urged residents to remain on high alert.
Just days earlier, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority had issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Lumbini provinces.
“As rainfall continues, we urge the public not to go near rivers or streams or move about unnecessarily,” said DSP Bohora. “In case of flooding or other emergencies, residents should immediately contact the nearest police post.”
He added that while the Mahakali River’s flow stood at 65,490 cusecs—below the danger level—several other rivers in the region remained swollen.
In Dhangadhi, neighbourhoods including Bishalnagar, Milan Chowk, Shivanagar, Hasanpur, Campus Road, Malika Tole, Krishnanagar, and the southern parts of Purano Bhansar and Katan Gaun were waterlogged by Monday morning, according to the state-run RSS news agency.
Floodwaters overwhelmed roads and drainage systems, entered homes and businesses, and severely disrupted daily life.
Residents blame long-standing negligence for the city’s chronic inundation problems. Ageing and poorly maintained drainage systems, coupled with unplanned urban expansion, have left Dhangadhi vulnerable to even moderate rainfall. The encroachment of natural water channels and road upgrades carried out without proper sewage planning have only worsened the situation.
Dharma Raj Ojha, Ward Chair of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City–2, said that the destruction of traditional drainage routes has significantly increased flood risks in recent years.
(With inputs from RSS)
