Nepal Flood Alert: Bhote Koshi Rises Again, Three Districts on High Alert

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a fresh safety warning after the flow and water level of the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa increased again on Sunday.

The warning comes just days after catastrophic flash floods devastated parts of Nepal's Himalayan river corridor, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands missing.

Authorities have urged residents living along riverbanks as well as personnel involved in search, rescue and relief operations to exercise extreme caution.

The alert covers affected areas in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, with authorities continuing to monitor the river system closely.

Bhote Koshi Flow Rises

NDRRMA issued the warning after receiving reports that the flood flow in the Bhote Koshi River had increased further.

The river flows south from the Himalayan border region and carried a huge volume of water downstream during the devastating August 26 floods.

The renewed rise has raised concerns because rescue and relief operations are still underway across areas damaged by the earlier disaster.

Authorities have asked people near the riverbanks to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement close to the water.

Three Districts on Alert

The latest warning particularly concerns Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, which were among the areas badly affected by the earlier flooding.

Emergency services and local administration units have been placed on standby as officials monitor river conditions.

Rescue teams operating in the affected areas have also been asked to exercise additional caution.

The warning is especially important for personnel working near river channels, damaged infrastructure and unstable terrain.

Trishuli Water Level Rises

The rise in the Bhote Koshi has also affected downstream river systems.

According to Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division, the Trishuli River in Dhading has risen significantly, with reports indicating the water level has climbed about three metres above the danger level.

The increase has been linked to flooding originating in the Bhote Koshi area of Rasuwa.

Officials are also monitoring the Narayani River and its tributaries after heavy rainfall was recorded in several watersheds.

People living near downstream rivers have been advised to remain alert as water levels can change quickly.

Natural Dam Raises Concern

Authorities are also monitoring a potentially dangerous natural obstruction in the Bhote Koshi basin.

The Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi, was obstructed upstream, creating a lake behind the natural blockage.

Preliminary satellite analysis indicated that the obstruction was located roughly 18 kilometres from the Rasuwagadhi border point and that the resulting lake covered approximately 0.11 square kilometres.

Officials have warned that if the natural dam fails, water could be released suddenly and trigger another major flood downstream.

Authorities have also indicated that additional lakes may have formed in the region, increasing the need for continued monitoring.

Rescue Operations Continue

The renewed alert comes as Nepal continues a massive search-and-rescue operation following the August 26 disaster.

Rescue teams are still searching for missing people across river valleys, damaged settlements and hydropower facilities.

The earlier flood caused extensive destruction to roads, bridges, homes and power infrastructure.

The difficult terrain and unstable conditions have made rescue operations particularly challenging.

Any further rise in river levels could complicate efforts to reach affected communities and people who may still be trapped.

Communities Urged Caution

NDRRMA has urged residents in riverside areas to remain extremely cautious.

People should avoid approaching swollen rivers and should not attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges or streams where water is moving rapidly.

Residents should also follow evacuation or safety instructions issued by local authorities rather than relying on unverified information on social media.

Rescue personnel have been advised to assess river conditions before entering areas close to the water.

Flood Risk Remains Fluid

The latest warning does not necessarily mean that a new large-scale flood is already occurring across all three districts.

Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division has indicated that river conditions are being monitored closely, and the situation can change depending on upstream flow and rainfall.

The warning is therefore primarily a precautionary measure aimed at preventing additional casualties while rescue operations continue.

However, the possibility of sudden changes remains a concern because of the unstable terrain and the reported natural obstruction upstream.

What Happens Next

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and downstream river systems while keeping rescue and emergency teams on alert.

Special attention will be given to the natural lake and possible additional water accumulations upstream.

If river levels rise further or the natural obstruction shows signs of failure, authorities may need to intensify evacuation measures in downstream areas.

For now, residents of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, as well as people living farther downstream, have been urged to remain vigilant.

The latest warning highlights the continuing danger facing Nepal even as the country struggles to recover from the catastrophic August 26 floods.