Floodwaters from the Saptakoshi river have inundated 157 homes in Saptari district, forcing residents, particularly children and elderly people, to seek shelter on safer, higher ground.

As many as 17 homes in wards 4 and 5 of Tilathi Koiladi Rural Municipality have been flooded. Water has entered homes, damaging stored food supplies and leaving families struggling to cook and find places to sleep.

Children and elderly residents have been moved to safer locations along the western embankment of the river. The Border Outpost of the Armed Police Force in Bodebarsain has also been inundated.

“The flooding has made it difficult to find food and even a place to stay,” flood victim Jaleshwar Mukhiya said.

Local representatives said they were inspecting affected areas, moving residents to safer locations and arranging food and other essentials. Lalan Prasad Raut, ward 6 chair, said he had returned from an inspection and was working to arrange relief supplies.

In Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality, floodwaters have entered 80 homes in the Koshi riverside area of ward 12. Another 60 homes in Gobargadha, in ward 13, have also been inundated, according to Saptari district police chief Rupak Khadka.

Residents in the affected areas are struggling to cook and find shelter, with many taking refuge in higher ground.

The area is prone to annual flooding when the Koshi river’s flow reaches around 300,000 cusecs. Although the flow at the Koshi Barrage has been gradually receding since Saturday morning, authorities have maintained precautions as the risk remains.