Karnali flood risk escalates, high alert issued for locals

Tikapur, Aug 13: Karnali River has intensified the erosion near the Tikapur Park at Tikapur-5 of Kailali district. With this, the nearby settlement is at an alarming risk of facing possible consequences from the swollen river.    

If the river happens to demolish the river embankment near the park area, settlement at wards no 5,6, 7,8 and 9 will be submerged under waters.    

 On Sunday, Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, minister for physical infrastructure development, Prakash Bahadur Deuba and minister for internal affairs and law, Shiba Raj Bhatta, visited the area affected by the river erosion. The Chief Minister promised to do his best from the individual and official-level to mitigate the risk of inundation and flood from the river.    

A large score of people are likely to be affected, requiring a prompt rescue and paddy crops covering a significant area is likely to be damaged if the river enters the settlement.   

Bearing in mind the growing risk of flood, the Disaster Management Committee, Tikapur municipality has agreed to build a bio-embankment with the help of locals and the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, said project chief Kedar Kumar Shrestha.    

It has been reported that lately the river has started changing its regular course. "Haphazard quarrying by the local levels has made the situation worse," Shrestha added.    
The Meteorological Forecasting Division earlier in its bulletin predicted heavy rains in the region starting from Saturday.    

Amidst this situation, the local government has implemented a system to alert the locals to possible consequences through a siren and a mobile text. People have been urged to keep their documents safe, and ensure a safe stay for expectant mothers, senior citizens and the people with disabilities, Municipality's Disaster Management Section chief Nirmala Chaudhary said   

 
 The incessant rains taking place here since August 7 has already affected 341 households at Tikapur wards no 6 and 7. (RSS)