Non-stop rain leads to drastic rise in water level of Saptakoshi river; River flow reaches highest point of the year

The rise in flow of water in Saptakoshi river in Sunsari is still in course. The water level in one of the biggest rivers of the country has not stopped increasing in the past six days owing to incessant rainfall in the hilly districts of the region. The water level in Saptakoshi, as per measurement of this morning, has reached the highest point of the year so far. The measurement recorded at Koshi Barrage at 10a.m. today showed the water flow at 200,898 cusec. However, only twenty-five of the 56 sluice gates of the barrage have been opened, while 27 gates were opened last night. The red light signifying danger is lit at the barrage with the rapid increase in water level, while transport has been contained to one way operation. The water level in Saptakoshi river is considered to be of danger level once it reaches 150,000 cusec. Residents of Sunsari are outraged as all gates of the barrage have not been opened despite significant rise in the water level. Chief District Officer of Sunsari Rabilal Panta has informed that teams of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force are ready and at stand-by in Laukahi, Mahendranagar, Chatara and Bhantabari of the district. These places are marked as areas of high risk to flood and inundation. The administration has also informed the residents to remain alert. It has been seven years since the destruction of the eastern Koshi embankment led to massive loss and damage. However, the government is yet to bring any effective programme in the area to address the woes of the affected areas.