“No cause for alarm”: Maharajganj DM on flood threat after Nepal flash floods
Maharajganj DM Gaurav Singh Sogarwal assures residents there is no immediate flood threat despite devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gorkha district.
Following reports of devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gorkha district, officials in Uttar Pradesh have moved to calm public anxiety. Maharajganj District Magistrate (DM) Gaurav Singh Sogarwal stated on Sunday that there is currently no immediate flood threat to the state, though authorities remain on high alert.
River levels monitored closely
The administration is maintaining constant communication with Nepalese disaster management officials to track water movement across the border. DM Sogarwal confirmed that the water levels in local rivers remain within safe limits.
“However, there is currently no such situation. River water levels in Nepal are well below normal, and the water level at the Valmiki Barrage here is also within the normal range—hovering between 50,000 and 60,000 cusecs,” the DM told ANI. He emphasized that while the situation is stable, the administration is prepared to act immediately if conditions change.
“Nevertheless, we are keeping a close watch on the coming hours. Should any potential threat emerge or information regarding one be received, we will take immediate action in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). For now, there is no cause for alarm,” he added.
The cause of the Nepal disaster
The sudden flooding in Nepal's Himalayan region was triggered by a landslide that caused a natural dam to collapse on the Siyar River, a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki. This catastrophic event led to rapid flash floods throughout the tributaries of the Narayani River.
Because Maharajganj serves as a vital entry point for the Narayani River flowing from Nepal, officials are particularly cautious. The district has a history of being severely impacted by similar flash flood events in the past, which previously affected both Maharajganj and Kushinagar.
Devastation in Gorkha District
While the situation in Uttar Pradesh remains under control, the impact in Nepal has been severe. Official reports confirm that at least 10 people have gone missing since Sunday morning following the flooding in the Budhi Gandaki River basin.
The floodwaters have caused massive infrastructural damage, including the destruction of six bridges. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma, the damage includes:
- Motorable Bridges: Destroyed at Arughat, Tripurasundari, and Soti-Manbu.
- Suspension/Bailey Bridges: A Bailey bridge connecting wards 1 and 3 of Dharche Rural Municipality was swept away.
- Footbridges: Several connections, including those between Machhikhola and Karauja, Thadobharyang and Jagat, and Ghattekhola and Philim, have been lost.