Patna: Continuous torrential rainfall in Nepal’s catchment areas has led to a sharp rise in the Kosi River’s water level, prompting authorities to release the season’s highest discharge from the Kosi Barrage and intensifying flood concerns in parts of Bihar.
According to officials, 2,15,135 cusecs of water were discharged from the Kosi Barrage at 6 pm on Sunday, the highest recorded this year. In response to the rising water level, 28 of the barrage’s 56 gates have been opened to regulate the flow.
As the discharge crossed 1.5 lakh cusecs, the barrage’s red warning light was activated as a precautionary measure. However, the Water Resources Department said that all embankments and spurs remain safe and that the situation is currently under control.
Water Level Rose Rapidly During the Day
Data from the Kosi Barrage Control Room showed that the river’s discharge stood at 1,77,735 cusecs at 6 am on Sunday, while the flow at the Barah region in Nepal was 1,30,700 cusecs.
Although the discharge dipped slightly to 1,76,305 cusecs by 10 am, it began rising rapidly thereafter, reaching 1,90,390 cusecs at 2 pm before climbing to 2,15,135 cusecs by 6 pm. At the same time, the Barah region recorded a water flow of 1,56,000 cusecs.
Chief Engineer of Flood Control and Drainage, Birpur, Sanjeev Shailesh, said the situation remains normal but added that all concerned agencies are on high alert.
Nepal Red Alert Raises Concern in Supaul
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued a three-day Red Alert from Saturday to Monday due to forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of the country.
The warning has prompted the deployment of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local authorities and volunteers for emergency preparedness.
In Bihar, the rising Kosi water level has heightened concerns among residents of 32 panchayats across six blocks in Supaul district. Water has started entering low-lying areas located between the eastern and western embankments, increasing fears of flooding if the river continues to rise.
Sikrahana River Swells, Floodwater Enters Residential Areas
Heavy rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region has also caused the Sikrahana River to swell, triggering flood-like conditions in parts of the Sugauli area.
Floodwater has entered several municipal wards, disrupting normal life and increasing hardships for local residents as the inundation spread further on Sunday.
Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Bagmati River, All 40 Passengers Rescued
In a separate incident, a major tragedy was averted after an overloaded boat capsized in the Bagmati River at Khadka Ghat.
According to eyewitnesses, the boat, designed to carry 20 to 25 passengers, was carrying around 40 people when it lost balance midstream and overturned.
All passengers were rescued safely with the help of local residents, and no casualties were reported. The incident sparked panic among people gathered at the riverbank and highlighted concerns over overcrowding on river transport during the monsoon season.
