NASA satellite data also recorded the intensity of the Gundi River flood: Vijay Chaudhry

Pattana, 3 October (ABN) – Vice Chief Minister Waje Kumar Choudhary said on Saturday that the unusually high water level of the Gundak River and the resulting floods have now been documented internationally using scientific satellite data. He noted that NASA Earth Observatory’s report “Floods of the Gundak River” published on 2 October 2026 details the record water levels and ensuing floods in Nepal and India that spread over a large area.

Choudhary explained that according to NASA’s report, heavy rains fell in the mountainous regions of Nepal and the Gorkha and Gandaki provinces between 24 and 27 September. The intense rainfall caused landslides in many locations. Subsequently, the Gundak River reached record levels in several parts of Nepal and India. The increasing flow accelerated flooding along the riverbanks, and incidents of water rushing and bank erosion were reported in several places.

He added that a comparative study of NASA satellite images taken on 20 September and 29 September 2026 provides clear scientific evidence of the flood extent. The two images show a stark contrast between the areas along the river and the widely dispersed flood‑affected zones, allowing an estimate of the rapid spread of the flood.

The report states that on 27 September, the water level of the Gundak River in Deoghat, Nepal, reached 11.94 metres, the highest level recorded since measurements began in the 1960s. It also mentions new high water levels at Indian sites along the Gundak River such as Bagh, Domria Ghati, Rewaghat, and Lalganj.

Choudhary said the NASA report indicates that the flood this year was not limited to normal seasonal conditions but was the result of extraordinary runoff from heavy rains in the upper catchment area of Nepal. Continuous downpours directly raised the Gundak River’s level, causing water to rise and floods to break out in many areas of Western Champan, Gopalganj, Sarin, and Muzaffarpur.

He noted that the state government is closely monitoring the flood situation and prioritising relief and rescue operations in affected areas. Information obtained from satellite and scientific data can help assess intensity, extent, and impacted areas, and also prove useful for future preparedness. The Vice Chief Minister said that the scientific evidence of the unprecedented rise in the Gundak River’s level and its widespread effects provides a crucial basis for understanding the flood’s severity.