Karnali Flood Risk Intensifies: High Alert Issued for Locals

The situation along the Karnali River has taken a perilous turn as erosion near Tikapur Park in Tikapur-5 of Kailali district has escalated. Local authorities have issued a high alert for residents, fearing potential consequences from the surging river.

The heightened erosion has raised concerns about the safety of nearby settlements, particularly in wards no. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. If the river breaches the embankment near the park area, it could lead to the inundation of these settlements, posing a severe threat to the residents.

In response to the growing risk, Sudur Paschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, along with Prakash Bahadur Deuba, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, and Shiba Raj Bhatta, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, visited the affected area on Sunday. Chief Minister Shah pledged both individual and official efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding and inundation from the river.

The potential impact of this situation is significant. A large number of residents are at risk of being affected, necessitating swift rescue operations. Additionally, the fertile paddy crops that cover a substantial area are also under threat of damage if the river inundates the settlements.

In a proactive step towards disaster preparedness, the Disaster Management Committee of Tikapur municipality has collaborated with local communities and the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project to construct a bio-embankment. The project aims to provide a buffer against the river’s erosive force and protect the vulnerable settlements.

Recent reports indicate that the Karnali River has exhibited changes in its usual course, a phenomenon attributed in part to indiscriminate quarrying by local entities. Kedar Kumar Shrestha, Chief of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, highlighted the adverse impact of such activities on exacerbating the situation.

Adding to the concerns, the Meteorological Forecasting Division had previously issued a bulletin forecasting heavy rainfall in the region, beginning on Saturday. The ongoing downpours, which started on August 7, have already taken a toll on 341 households in Tikapur wards no. 6 and 7.

In response to the impending threat, local authorities have established an alert system using sirens and mobile text notifications to keep residents informed about potential dangers. The municipality’s Disaster Management Section Chief, Nirmala Chaudhary, urged residents to secure their important documents and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals such as expectant mothers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

As the situation remains critical, authorities and communities are working together to minimize the risks posed by the escalating flood threat along the Karnali River.