BIRATNAGAR: The water flow in the Saptakoshi River has crossed 200,000 cusec per second.

According to the flood morning unit of the Koshi Barrage, 231,655 cusec of water flow per second has been measured.

When the water level surged due to incessant rains since the last few days, of the 56 sluices, 30 have been opened so as to minimize the damages to the Koshi barrage.

Earlier six decades ago, it was said the barrage could bear the water flow up to 1,200,000 cusec per second but now its bearing capacity has gone down due to the sand and pebbles that have sedimented near the barrage.

Built in 2011 BS, the barrage was meant to last for 50 years.

The water flow was measured at 180,000 cusec e this morning and 150,000 on Friday night.