Water flow in Saptakoshi river reaches highest level in 56 years

BIRATNAGAR, Sept 29: The flow of water in the Saptakoshi River has reached its highest level in 56 years.

As of 3:00 am on Sunday, the Koshi Barrage Control Room reported a flow rate of 643,540 cubic feet per second (cusecs).

The previous highest measurement of 788,200 cusecs recorded on October 5, 1968.

At 10:25 PM on Saturday, the flow was measured at 620,000 cusecs.

According to the Koshi Barrage Control Room, the water level has risen to 11.26 meters above the danger level and is continuing to rise, prompting officials to issue warnings for caution.

With the Saptakoshi River’s water level exceeding the danger threshold, authorities have advised residents in flood-prone areas of Udayapur, Sunsari, and Saptari to evacuate to safer locations.

Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Ramchandra Tiwari, said that all traffic for people and vehicles through the Koshi Barrage has been suspended until further notice due to the ongoing increase in water flow.

Earlier measurements from the Koshi Barrage Control Room noted a flow of 336,000 cusecs at 6:00 AM on Saturday, which escalated to 418,285 cusecs by 8:00 PM, 570,690 cusecs by 12:00 PM, and 632,285 cusecs at 2:00 AM today.

In response to the rising water levels, all 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened.