Authorities in Nepal have issued fresh flood warnings after water levels in three major rivers rose above alert levels, with residents in several parts of the country being asked to remain vigilant.
The Sun Koshi in Sindhuli, Budhi Gandaki in Gorkha and Mahakali in Dadeldhura were above their alert levels as of 6 AM on Wednesday, according to the Flood Forecasting Division of Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The warning comes as the country continues to receive rainfall, with the monsoon remaining active across several areas, including Kathmandu.
Marsyangdi River crosses danger mark
The situation is particularly concerning along the Marsyangdi River in Lamjung district. The river crossed the danger mark at the Bhukundebesi water level monitoring centre at 11.15 pm on Tuesday.
The latest update from the Flood Forecasting Division said the river level was continuing to rise, increasing the risk of flooding in areas downstream.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people living in downstream areas to remain alert. Residents near river banks and in low-lying locations have also been advised to take precautions and identify safer places in case the water rises further.
Death toll from flash floods reaches 1,127
The new warnings come as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have killed at least 1,127 people, according to Nepal Police.
Rescue teams have recovered 348 bodies from Chitwan, 217 from Nawalparasi East, 190 from Nawalparasi West and 155 from Nuwakot. Bodies were also recovered from Gorkha, Dhading, Rasuwa and Tanahu.
Police said postmortem and legal identification procedures have been completed for 1,113 bodies, while 95 have been handed over to relatives. Information on 911 unidentified bodies has been uploaded to the Nepal Police website to assist families searching for missing relatives.
Thousands still missing
Security forces have so far rescued 6,541 people from flood-affected areas, while 4,858 people remain missing.
A total of 7,912 police personnel have been deployed for search and rescue, relief work and the management of recovered bodies. Teams are also relocating families from high-risk areas, clearing debris from roads and coordinating operations with local authorities.
The flash floods struck on August 26 after an ice and rock collapse or avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastating towns and villages across northern and central Nepal.