Kathmandu. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of the risk of flood, landslide and inundation with the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in different places of the country.

With this, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has intensified preparedness.

NRA officiating chief executive Pradip Kumar Koirala said the gates of the Koshi Barrage would be opened gradually if there is a risk of flood due to rise in the water level in the river. Flood expert at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Binod Parajuli, said that the water flow was continuously monitored and 21 districts were at moderate risk of floods.

The NRA has started necessary preparations for rescue and response by coordinating with the security bodies. The Authority has urged the local level, security bodies and the bodies concerned to adopt high alertness and adopt special alertness in the areas prone to landslides along the river banks. Also, the Authority has requested the general public not to travel and unnecessary movement in risky areas.