Kathmandu: Continuous rainfall for over 30 hours has caused widespread disruption across Nepal, with landslides, road blockages, and floods affecting various regions.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued with the forecast that the rain might last for a day or two during the warning avice for public to be on alert keeping themselves safe not going unnecessary out.

This relentless rain led to the river from Arun in the east to the river Banganga in the west all are flowing above danger level. Major rivers such as the Sunkoshi, Bagmati, Narayani, Dudhkoshi, Tinau and Banganga are also flowing above the warning level; very high (Dager) stage of flood has been observed in some rivers like Sunkoshi and Bagmati.

The incessant rain in Kathmandu Valley has thrown life out of gear due to clogged streets and disruption in the transportation services. In the meantime, sluicegates of the Kulekhani I Hydropower project were opened in Makwanpur afterthe reservoir spilled over and threatened to inundate theareas nearby. Residents in at-risk areas such as Bhimfedi, Indrasarovar and Bagmati have been warned to remain vigilant.

Landslides Block Major Roads

Transportation across the country has been paralyzed due to landslides as well. A massive landslide in Ghoptebhir of Ichhyakamana rural municipality has obstructed the Prithvi Highway where efforts are ongoing to clear away debris. Similarly, the movement of vehicles along the Mauwakhola, Datikhola and Panidhara sections has also been greatly affected due to those landslides.

Incessant rainfall has led to the caving in of two large sections of road at Narayangadh-Muglin road and Katmandu-Muglin road from Nag Mandir, Chandragiri municipality, blocking vehicular movement.

Air Travel Disrupted

Domestic flights from Tribhuvan International Airport will remain closed due to the ongoing rainfall and there are no alternative airports. However, international flights are still running and a Qatar Airways flight from Doha had landed without issues.

The government has deployed troops and teams of emergency responders around the country, working to minimise the effects of the severe weather which has struck inland. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority urged people, especially near rivers and in the various “landslide-prone areas,” to stay on full alert as there would be more rainfall.