Climate & Environment
Cyclone Arnab Raises Flood Risk in Major Nepal Rivers
The Flood Forecasting Division has issued a special early warning after Cyclone Arnab, indicating a moderate flood risk in the Narayani, Bagmati, Kamala, Kankai, and Koshi river basins. Heavy rainfall is occurring in these basins and their sub‑basins, with the possibility of additional rain. The division forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall on Friday in the Narayani, Koshi, and their tributaries, as well as in the Bagmati, Kamala, and Kankai basins, which will cause a significant rise in river levels. During the same period, only a normal rise is expected for the Mahakali, Karnali, West Rapti, and Babai rivers.
On Saturday, light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue in the Koshi, Bagmati, Kamala, and Kankai basins, and river levels are projected to reach their highest point due to the rainfall over the past three days. The division has clarified that the likelihood of crossing the alert level in the major rivers is low. On Sunday, light rainfall is projected in some areas of the Koshi, Bagmati, and Narayani basins, with an overall low risk.
Water levels in the major rivers across the country are expected to gradually return to normal on Kartik 16 and 17. The division urges extra caution in the high Himalayan regions, noting that actual rainfall amounts and river conditions could change the risk. The cyclone’s impact may also bring snowfall and avalanche risk in the high Himalayan areas of the Koshi and Narayani basins.
Citizens in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, as there is a high risk of flash floods in the hilly and Chure regions of the Narayani, Bagmati, Kamala, Kankai, and Koshi basins on Friday and Saturday, and potential inundation in low‑lying areas. Currently, the weather is generally cloudy across the country. Light rainfall is occurring in many places in the Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, and in one or two places in the Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces. This effect is expected to gradually decrease from tomorrow afternoon.