31 gates of Koshi Barrage opened; Tinau, Trishuli and Roshi rivers above warning level

A red alert has been issued at the Koshi Barrage after the flow of the Saptakoshi increased, with around 31 gates opened.

According to Sunsari Chief District Officer Ishwari Prasad Aryal, a flow of about 240,000 cusecs has been recorded at the barrage. He said that since flows of up to about 500,000 cusecs have been recorded here in past years, there is no need to panic, though the administration remains on alert.

Vehicle movement on the Koshi Bridge has not been halted, and necessary decisions will be taken if the flow rises further, he said. According to the Koshi Project, the rising flow has also put Bihar in India at risk.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged residents of the lower and flood-prone areas along the Saptakoshi to remain on high alert until the day after tomorrow.

According to the Flood Forecasting Section, the Tinau River in Rupandehi has crossed the warning level at the Butwal gauging station and its flow is rising. Residents along the Tinau have been asked to remain alert until Sunday morning.

The Trishuli River in Nuwakot has crossed the warning level at the Dhunche gauging station, and the Roshi Khola in Kavre has crossed it at Panauti. The water level of the Hanumante River at Jagati, Bhaktapur, has also reached the warning level.

Hydrologist Saraswati Bista of the Flood Forecasting Section urged special caution, saying river levels could rise suddenly over the next one to two days.