Water flow reaches warning levels in Saptakoshi, Narayani rivers

KATHMANDU: The sluice gates of Koshi Barrage over Saptakoshi River and Gandak Dam (Barrage) over Narayani River have been opened in response to the increased flow in these rivers.

The water level of Saptakoshi River in eastern Nepal has steadily risen due to incessant rain over the past few days. The water flow at the river was measured at 316,800 cusecs at the Koshi Barrage, at 6:00 am today.

Security personnel monitoring and inspecting the increased flow of water in Saptakoshi River in Saptari district, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. The river has swollen following incessant rain in the hilly and eastern districts. Photo: RSS

A view of Koshi Barrage from Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality-1 in Saptari district, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. All 41 sluice gates of Koshi Barrage were opened in response to the increased water flow, which has reached warning levels. Photo: RSS

According to Saptakoshi Water Measurement Centre, 56 sluice gates of Koshi Barrage were opened in response to the increased water flow, which has reached warning levels.

Given that the water level at the river has surpassed the alert level and is still rising, the Saptakoshi Hydro Measuring Centre has issued a request to residents living near the riverbanks to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

A view of flooded Narayani River in Narayangadh, Chitwan district, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Photo: RSS

Men taking pictures of flooded Narayani River near a Bailey bridge swept away by the river in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-3 of Chitwan district, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Photo: RSS

Similarly, all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage were opened after the water level in the Narayani River rose above the warning level. The Gandak Dam (Barrage), located in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-7 of Nawalpur district, has seen all its gates opened, as reported by Liaison Officer Kashinath Harijan.

A human settlement inundated in Bote Tole, Gaindakot Municipality-2 of Nawalpur district, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Water from the flooded Narayani River gushed into the area and inundated around 100 houses. Photo: RSS

A human settlement inundated in Bote Tole, Gaindakot Municipality-2 of Nawalpur district, on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Water from the flooded Narayani River gushed into the area and inundated around 100 houses. Photo: RSS

The decision to open the barrage gates was made after the Baguban area in Binayi Triveni-1 experienced flooding. Harijan explained that the gates were opened due to the continued rise in water flow in the Gandak area. As of 7:00 am today, the river current at the Gandak Barrage was measured at 440,750 cusecs.

Meanwhile, in the south section of Nawalpur, along the East-West Highway, fallen trees have blocked the road. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bed Bahadur Paudel reported that a tree fell onto the road near the Bishwakarma temple in Daunne.