SUNSARI, Sept 25: Water flow in the Saptakoshi River continued to rise on Friday, reaching 229,960 cusecs as of 1 pm.
According to the Koshi Barrage Control Room, authorities have opened 30 of the barrage’s 56 gates.
The District Administration Office, Sunsari, said additional gates would be opened in coordination with Indian authorities if the water level rises further.
Water level in Saptakoshi rises to danger level, riverside resi...
A red warning light has also been activated at the Koshi Barrage. Authorities turn on the western red warning light when the flow exceeds 150,000 cusecs to alert the public. A second red light on the eastern side is activated when the flow crosses 200,000 cusecs, while a central red light is switched on when the flow exceeds 300,000 cusecs.
The Koshi Barrage was designed to handle up to 950,000 cusecs of water. However, officials say sediment accumulation upstream of the barrage can increase the risk.
The Saptakoshi previously breached its eastern embankment on Aug 18, 2008, when the river’s flow reached around 168,000 cusecs. The breach flooded four settlements in Koshi Rural Municipality and displaced 7,563 families.
Although the embankment was later restored, authorities remain concerned that the river could cause significant damage if it breaches the embankment again.
