Babai River nears danger level, flood risk in Bardiya

Due to continuous rainfall, the water level in the Babai River is close to crossing the danger mark. At 7:13 AM on Tuesday, the water level at the Chepang measuring station reached 6.87 meters. If it reaches 7 meters, flooding is expected, putting areas like Barbardiya, Thakurdwara, Madhuwan, and Gulariya in Bardiya at high risk.

The Babai River flows through Salyan and Dang before entering Bardiya and then India. Security forces have been deployed in high-risk areas for rescue operations. It takes about four hours for floodwaters from Chepang to reach Gulariya.

As the water continues to rise, the local administration has urged people living near the river to stay alert. Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel said everyone in these areas should be prepared for any possible disaster.

Sirens have started ringing in riverside areas. The danger mark at Babai Bridge in Gulariya is 6.50 meters, and authorities have advised people to stay safe. Since the rain hasn’t stopped, the water level is rising.

In the past, Babai experienced massive floods on August 13, 2014 (2071 Saun 28) and August 14, 2017 (2074 Saun 29), killing 34 people and affecting over 90,000.

Meanwhile, the water level in the Karnali River is currently at 7.5 meters. Flooding there starts if it reaches 10 meters.