KATHMANDU, June 26: Take-off and landing have been halted at Biratnagar Airport due to floodwaters from the Basta River entering the parking area.

The floodwater from the Basta River entered the taxiway and parking area of Biratnagar Airport, Biratnagar Municipality-4, on Wednesday morning.  

According to Yubraj Bhandari, information officer at the airport, the flights will resume soon at the airport after the floodwaters dry up.

Bhandari said, “The floodwater is being drained out. Currently, a technical test is ongoing to conduct a flight. The airport will resume its services as the rain stops.”

According to him, the flights have been halted due to the risk of floods after floodwaters from the Basta River entered the parking area.

36 families displaced  

At least, 36 families of Biratnagar Municipality and Budhiganga Rural Municipality have been displaced due to the continuous rain. Likewise, 10 families of Biratnagar Municipality-8 have been displaced due to the floods of the Singhia River entering the settlement. Police have arranged temporary residence in a safe place.

Similarly, 10 families have been displaced in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-19, Saradkar tole. Their houses have been inundated and they have been kept in Shree Shivaji High School.

Likewise, 16 families have been displaced in Shanti Chowk, Budhiganga Rural Municipality-1 and Gairi Tole. Police said that they have been sheltering at their neighbor’s house. The rescue of displaced houses is ongoing in Bakhari, Biratnagar Municipality-12 due to the floods of Kesalia River entering the settlement.

The District Police Office, Morang said that the water entered the barracks and cooking area of the police office in Hatkhola, Biratnagar-8.