Kathmandu’s Rivers Rise to Dangerous Levels

Continuous rainfall has raised water levels in rivers across the Kathmandu Valley, with the Bishnumati and Bagmati rivers already swelling and affecting settlements along their banks.

Several areas of Madhesh Province have recorded very heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, with Kalaiya in Bara receiving 200.6 mm by 3:20 pm. Meteorologists warn the downpour is likely to intensify Saturday night.

In response to the forecast of persistent heavy rain across the country, the government on Saturday declared a two-day public holiday on Sunday and Monday (October 5 and 6). The Ministry of Home Affairs made the decision following warnings from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) about the risk of floods, landslides, and inundation between October 4 and 6.

The ministry has urged citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautionary measures as adverse weather conditions continue.

Earlier in the day, authorities suspended long-distance travel and advised the public to exercise maximum caution against possible rain-induced disasters.

Last year, incessant rainfall over three days in late September caused widespread destruction in central and eastern Nepal, leaving dozens dead and many injured. Much of the damaged road infrastructure—particularly sections of the BP Highway—has yet to be fully repaired.

Photographs taken by our photojournalist Sunil Sharma on Saturday afternoon show rising water levels in the Bishnumati and Bagmati rivers, with floodwaters threatening riverside communities in the Valley.