“Water Could Reach in 20 Minutes”: Panic Grips Nepal as Police Order Emergency Evacuation

Kathmandu: Fear has gripped Nepal’s Nuwakot district after police issued an urgent warning to residents, saying a sudden surge in floodwaters could reach Dhunde Bazaar and nearby areas within 20–25 minutes.

The alert comes as residents are still recovering from the devastation caused by recent floods in the region. Police and local administrative teams have launched an emergency evacuation drive, urging people living and working along riverbanks to move to safer locations immediately.

Police Go Door-to-Door as Evacuation Begins

Police teams are patrolling Dhunde Bazaar and surrounding areas while making public announcements asking residents to vacate homes, shops and other vulnerable locations.

Authorities have warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly and urged people not to ignore evacuation instructions. Residents near the river are being moved to safer areas as officials closely monitor the water level and river flow.

Officials fear the sudden rise in water could be linked to an upstream surge or another natural event. Given the potential scale of the threat, authorities have opted for immediate evacuation as a precaution.

Nuwakot Still Reeling From Previous Flood Disaster

The latest warning has added to the anxiety in Nuwakot, one of the areas badly affected by the recent Bhote Koshi–Trishuli flooding. Several roads and bridges have already suffered damage, while relief and rescue operations remain underway.

Against this backdrop, the possibility of another major flood has intensified concerns among residents and authorities.

For now, police and local administration teams are prioritising evacuation and continuously monitoring the river. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, follow official instructions and move away from vulnerable riverbank areas without delay.