Water level in Saptakhoshi rises to highest of this year

The water-level in Saptakoshi river has reached the highest level of this year. The measurement of 11a.m. this morning showed the reading of water flow at 81,400 cusec. With increase in the water level of the river, 27 of the 56 barrage doors have been opened, while state of high alert has been effected in the vulnerable VDCs of the surrounding areas. The constant rise in water flow has put VDCs including Haripur, Shreepur, West Kushaha, Laukaha, Madhuban, Narsingha, Prakashpur, Bhokraha and Mahendranagar at risk. Residents of these areas have been told to stay at high alert by the local administration. The chief district officer and high ranking security officials of the district have conducted supervision of the dam. The red light signalling danger is lit when the water level in Saptakoshi crosses 150,000 cusec. The red light is lit in the west side when the water level crosses 150,000 cusec, and in the east side when it crosses 200,000 cusec. It is lit in the mid-area when the water level crosses 300,000 cusec. Although Koshi barrage has capacity to withstand water level of up to 950,000 cusec, the collection of sand in the upper part of the barrage poses risk even when the water level is below that.