SUNSARI: Continuous rainfall has increased the water flow in the Saptakoshi River, prompting authorities to open 50 gates of the Koshi Barrage.

According to Yograj Khatiwada, spokesperson for the Sunsari District Police Office, the gates were opened after the river’s flow reached 271,310 cubic meters per second.

The measurement was recorded at 7:00 a.m. today. Earlier, at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the water flow was measured at 193,060 cubic meters per second, at which time 15 gates had been opened.

On September 2, during a previous surge in the river, 38 of the 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage had been opened. After that, the water flow had gradually decreased.

However, continuous rainfall on Friday and Saturday has caused water levels in the Saptakoshi to rise again, Khatiwada said.

The Koshi Barrage control room lights red warning signals when the water flow exceeds 150,000 cubic meters per second.

Accordingly, three red warning lights are currently active at the barrage.