Water flow rises at Koshi Barrage after heavy rain

Heavy rainfall in the eastern hills and plains of Nepal has caused fluctuating water flow in the Koshi Barrage since early Monday.

According to measurements at 6 AM on Monday, the water flow was 175,685 cusecs (cubic feet per second), and the same was recorded again at 8 PM. Later, at 10 PM, the flow increased to 179,740 cusecs, as reported by Armed Police Force officer Nirmal Thapa.

Out of the 52 main gates and 4 canal gates at the Koshi Barrage, 19 gates have been opened to manage the water flow.

Since the flow has crossed 150,000 cusecs, a red warning light has been turned on to alert the public of possible danger, according to the Koshi Barrage Control Room.

Back in 2008 (Bhadra 2, 2065 BS), when the water flow reached 168,000 cusecs, the eastern embankment of the Saptakoshi River was breached.