KATHMANDU: The Flood Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged the general public to adopt high security alert, stating that there is a risk of floods in different parts of the country until Sunday (today). Due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, water levels in rivers may increase, causing a risk of flooding.

The department's flood expert and hydrologist, Engineer Bijay Dhukuchu, reported that most of the small rivers flowing through Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Lamjung, Kaski, Palpa, Nawalparasi East, and adjoining districts rose on Saturday. According to him, the flow of small rivers in Udayapur, Sindhuli, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Sindhupalchowk, Ramechhap, Achham, Doti, Kailali, and adjoining districts also increased on Saturday.

"Most of the small rivers across the country are likely to see an increase in their flow on Sunday, and some small rivers in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces may face flash floods," he warned.

The division noted that the weather remained generally to fully cloudy throughout the country on Saturday, with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in many places. Heavy rainfall occurred in a few locations within Koshi, Madhes, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and in one or two places in the remaining provinces.

The division urged the general public to take necessary precautions to avoid the possible risks of disasters such as landslides, floods, and soil erosion in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

“These conditions may partially affect daily life, agriculture, health, tourism, mountaineering, road, and air transport in those areas," the department said in a statement.