Floodwater in Bhotekoshi-Trishuli gradually receding, locals urged to remain vigilant

By Ganga Kumari Mijar, Rasuwa, July 30: Flash floods have occurred in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on the Nepal side since Tuesday night triggered by heavy rainfall in the Tibet region of China.

The District Administration Office, Rasuwa, has issued an alert since 2 AM on Wednesday, urging locals to stay safe bearing in mind the risk of flooding.

According to Chief District Officer of Rasuwa Arjun Poudel, although the main cause of the flood is not certain, it is believed that it could have been due to heavy rainfall  on the Chinese side or a glacier bursting like last time.

Although the river flow in the Trishuli 3B watershed area and around Uttar Gaya has increased rapidly, information has been received that the water level is gradually decreasing.

The flood, which was initially mixed with debris, is currently flowing as water, while the level of the Trishuli River, which flows through the Rasuwagadhi area, is also reportedly decreasing. 

Reports of any human casualties have not been recorded so far.

As the risk of flooding increased, teams from the police, Nepali Army, and Armed Police Force were immediately deployed to the affected areas and local residents along the riverbanks were evacuated to safer places.

The district administration has urged the settlements along the river banks of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading to remain vigilant not to involve in any activities near river banks. 

Earlier, on July, the devastating flash flood in the Lhende River washed away the Miteri Bridge connecting the Kerung border crossing and buried dozens of vehicles at the customs yard. 

It has been reported that the same road section has been damaged again by the current flood as well. 

Currently, teams from the local administration, Nepali Army and police are deployed in the affected areas for monitoring, rescue and management. 

The administration has again requested citizens to adopt high alert, saying that the risk of flooding remains as the weather is not yet completely stable.