The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a flood warning for residents living downstream of the Kulekhani Hydropower Project dam due to incessant rainfall.

In a notice released on Friday evening, the authority said the reservoir in Indrasarowar Rural Municipality of Makawanpur district has seen a significant rise in water levels, which may reach its full capacity within hours.

This situation may require the opening of floodgates, potentially resulting in sudden flooding along the Bagmati river, with heightened risks for communities in Rautahat and Sarlahi districts.

Residents in low-lying areas below Kulekhani are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Security personnel and volunteers have also been asked to be on high alert.

The district disaster management committees and local disaster management committees have been asked to prepare safe locations for residents amid the looming threat of flooding.

Heavy rain across the country on Friday disrupted daily life, causing major highways to be obstructed and domestic flights to be delayed or cancelled.

Thousands of travellers were stranded at highways and airports amid the chaos. Landslides triggered by the continuous downpour blocked several roads, including the busy Nagdhunga entry point to the Kathmandu Valley, complicating debris clearance efforts.

Meanwhile, the Bagmati river has crossed the danger mark following continuous rainfall since Thursday night.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the water level at stations in Khokana, Gaurighat, Balkhu Khola, Balambu, and Bishnumati (Gongabu Bus Park) has exceeded the alert level and is rising. The department has urged people living or travelling in riverbank areas to exercise extreme caution.

Authorities have particularly called for heightened vigilance in the riverbank areas of Lalitpur, Makawanpur, Sarlahi, and Rautahat districts until Saturday afternoon.