Janakpur, July 11 -- Officials and residents of Province 2 are on high alert after local rivers witnessed surges following incessant monsoon rains for the past three days.

Chief Minister Lal Babu Raut, who met chiefs of security agencies in Janakpur on Friday, directed them to prepare for possible disasters.

"We are on high alert and have mobilised rescue teams in disaster-prone areas," said Deputy Inspector General (Armed Police Force) Raju Aryal. "Areas where floods wreaked havoc last year are being closely monitored," he added.

Security units are on standby on the riverbanks in Rautahat, Sarlahi, Mahottari and Saptari districts and they are equipped with necessary resources to conduct rescue and relief work.

The water level in the ...