Kathmandu: The monsoon season has reached its peak in Nepal, causing rivers to swell and leading to landslides, road blockades, and power outages across the country. The government has issued warnings to residents to remain vigilant during this period of continuous rainfall since Friday.

The Saptakoshi River has seen a significant rise in water levels due to incessant rainfall over the past few days. As of 6 am this morning, the water flow at the Koshi Barrage was recorded at 316,800 cusecs. The Saptakoshi Water Measurement Center has opened 41 sluice gates at the barrage to manage the increased water flow, which has reached warning levels. Residents near the Saptakoshi river banks have been advised to stay alert and safe.

The Baglung section of the Kaligandaki Corridor has been blocked for traffic since Saturday morning due to landslides at four different locations. According to Bijay Yadav, Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office in Baglung, a landslide has severely damaged the road in Dablang of Baglung Municipality-10, making it accessible only after the rains cease. Additional landslides in Binamare of Jaimini Municipality-5 and Theule Khola and Jimirghat of ward no. 1 have further hindered transportation.

Flooding has also affected power production plants across the country, leading to interruptions in the power supply in some areas. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) reported that power plants producing approximately 640 megawatts of electricity have been shut down. The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Plant, with a capacity of 456 megawatts, has been closed since Friday evening. Similarly, the Sunkoshi Hydropower Project (60 MW) and Upper Trishuli 'A' (10 MW) have also ceased operations. The NEA load dispatch center also reported the closure of the Balefi (36 MW), Lower Modi (20 MW), Middle Modi (18 MW), and Upper Chamelia (40 MW) power plants due to floods, with some projects operating at reduced capacity.

The Gandak Barrage has opened all its gates following a rise in the water level of the Narayani River to above the warning level. Liaison Officer Kashinath Harijan confirmed that all 36 gates were opened after the flooding of the Binayi Triveni-1 Baguban area. The water flow at the Gandak Barrage was measured at 440,750 cusecs at 7:00 am today.

Additionally, the south section of Nawalparasi (Bardghat-Sustapur) under the East-West Highway has been blocked by fallen trees. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Bahadur Paudel reported that a tree fell on the road near the Bishwakarma temple in Daunne, causing the obstruction.

The government continues to monitor the situation and urges citizens to exercise caution and follow safety advisories during this monsoon season.