Bhotekoshi river flow rises, locals urged to stay alert

The flow of the Bhotekoshi river, which comes from Tibet through Rasuwagadhi, has suddenly increased. Local officials have asked people to stay alert.

According to Druv Prasad Adhikari, assistant chief district officer of Rasuwa, the river’s water flow started rising early Wednesday morning around 2 a.m. “Because the river flow has increased, we have already informed people living in the lower riverside areas to be careful,” he said.

The flood damaged a road being built by the Chinese side at Rasuwagadhi border for installing a Bailey bridge. Although it rained on Tuesday night, there was no rain in Rasuwa at present, the assistant officer added. The flood also washed away a weighbridge located at the customs yard in Timure.

The District Administration Office in Nuwakot reported that water levels in the Trishuli river have also risen suddenly, with floods coming from Rasuwa. They have asked people living near the riverbanks to remain cautious.

On Monday, the Rasuwa district administration had issued a notice warning of possible floods in the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, Langtang, and Chilime rivers and urged locals to be careful.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and Chinese officials have both warned that heavy rainfall may continue in the area in the coming days, which could increase river flows further.

Last year on Ashar 24 (July 8), flooding in the Bhotekoshi caused major damage to lives and property in both Nepal and China.