The water level at Mahakali River in Darchula has rose setting fear and panic among the locals living in the surrounding areas.

Locals said the water level rose since Saturday evening after continuous rainfall in the area. A bridge connecting Bagabangad and Pulghat in Khalanga Bajar has been closed due to sharp rise in water level.

District Police, however, said that the water level has not reached the danger mark.  A water level measuring device on the Indian side has shown the level has reached at 30-35 mark. Water level is considered danger only after the 40 mark, said police.