By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
A high alert was sounded in Uttarakhand’s border district of Champawat on Wednesday following heavy rainfall and severe flooding in neighbouring Nepal, officials said.
The SDRF post in Tanakpur has intensified surveillance and patrolling along vulnerable stretches of the Sharda River, Sharda Ghat and Sharda Barrage, keeping a close watch on the river’s water level and any possible rise in the flow.
SDRF teams have also been visiting low-lying areas and alerting residents, travellers and fishermen about the potential danger. People have been advised to stay away from the river and its banks, particularly areas witnessing strong currents.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi has directed the Tanakpur team to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and immediately coordinate with the district administration and other agencies in case of any emergency.
The SDRF team remains equipped with essential life-saving and rescue equipment and is maintaining 24-hour readiness for any emergency.
The district administration has also directed all concerned departments to remain on alert and maintain close coordination while continuously monitoring the Sharda River and other vulnerable areas.
Authorities have urged people to keep children and livestock away from the riverbanks and immediately inform the administration or disaster control room in case of any emergenc