The local administration in Sunsari district has maintained high alert around the Saptakoshi River in view of the possible breach of artificial lake created with the blockage of the Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district.

Arun is one of the tributaries of the Saptakoshi River.

A landslide occurred at Bhotkhola of Sankhuwasabha district had blocked the Arun River creating a 2.5 km long lake this morning. Hence, the people living on the bank of Saptakoshi River were urged to maintain alertness of possible risk of flood, said the District Administration Office, Sunsari.

An emergency meeting of the district natural disaster rescue committee held on Friday took a decision to this effect.

Once the artificial lake is burst, it may flood the areas around the Saptakoshi River as Barahachhetra, Prakashpur, Mahendranagar, Shreepur, Paschimkushaha, and Laukahi.

The people in these areas are asked not to go for boating and fishing and avoid taking cattle for grazing. The settlements near the river are asked to opt for safe places. RSS