SUNSARI: Authorities have opened 34 of the 56 sluice gates of the Koshi Barrage after the water level in the Saptakoshi River continued to rise on Monday afternoon.
According to Sunsari District Police Office spokesperson Yograj Khatri, water flow at the barrage reached 256,010 cubic feet per second (cusecs) at 4:00 pm, prompting the opening of 34 gates. An hour earlier, at 3:00 pm, the flow was measured at 249,105 cusecs with 32 gates open. On Sunday night at 10:00 pm, the flow was recorded at 226,560 cusecs with 31 gates opened.
Khatri said a red light has been turned on at the barrage control room, signaling danger, as the water flow has crossed the 150,000 cusecs threshold. Continuous rainfall in the upstream hilly regions has led to rising water levels.
Authorities have urged residents in downstream areas to remain alert for possible flooding.
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